Andrew Albers is free to sign with the Hanwha Eagles after he cleared release waivers Thursday, the Twins announced. Albers reached a tentative agreement with the Korean team last week, and the Twins agreed to allow the 28-year-old lefthander to depart.
Albers won his first two games with the Twins in August by pitching 17 1/3 scoreless innings, but he finished the season at 2-5 with a 4.05 ERA. He was named the organization's Minor League pitcher of the year after the season for his 11-5, 2.86 season with Class AAA Rochester. But with the addition of free agents Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes, Albers' chances of winning a spot in the rotation this year were greatly reduced, and the Twins agreed to allow him to pursue a more lucrative contract overseas.
Albers' departure leaves a spot open on the Twins' 40-man roster.
