Reliever David Aardsma has cleared waivers and elected free agency, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney. Aardsma was certain to be non-tendered after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July, so this move lets him reach free agency earlier. The 29-year-old saved 69 games for Seattle from 2009-10 and makes for an interesting signing if he's option to a club option for 2013.

Aardsma told MLB.com's Greg Johns, "I loved my time in Seattle. I love the fans and thank Jack Zduriencik for giving me opportunity to have a job and become a closer. I want to thank all the fans in Seattle for their support. It’s not fun, but it’s part of the job and this is going to be next step. It doesn’t mean I won’t be back. This is one of those things we all knew was coming because of the situation. It doesn’t close anydoors, it just opens more."