LA Angels Make Handful of Signings Before Rule 5 Draft

The LA Angels have kept their offseason plans in the shadows so far this year, as fans are waiting to see if they will pay big money or play the waiting game. Most actions so far prove point to the latter.

The LA Angels have made two small signings as of late. One of them was bringing in a new arm in the form of Jesse Chavez. He was signed to a one-year, 5.75-million dollar contract with up to 3-million dollars in incentives. Chavez, 33, spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays last year. He owned a 4.43 ERA over 62 games in his first full season as a relief pitcher since 2012.

Chavez’s ERA went up after the move to the bullpen, which is a cause for concern about his future. Given his age, 2017 might be his last chance at providing useful, consistent pitching. He was signed to compete for the number five starting pitcher spot, but he is more likely to come out of the bullpen if he makes the team in 2017.

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The second signing was bringing back Andrew Bailey. Bailey, 32, threw relief in 12 games for the Angels last year. He had six saves and a 2.38 ERA in those games. This was enough to earn a one-year, one-million dollar contract with incentives, depending on the his production. He is a dark horse in the closer race between Cam Bedrosian and Huston Street. While his stretch with the Angels was impressive, his season prior to that was not. In 33 games for the Phillies, Bailey posted a 6.40 ERA. However, given his stretch to end the season, there is definitely hope.

The Angels also added four players to their 40-man roster. Doing this protects them from being claimed in the Rule 5 Draft that takes place on December 8. The Angels added pitchers Nate Smith, Austin Adams, Keynan Middleton, and Eduardo Paredes to their 40-man roster.