Torii Hunter Not Extended Qualifying Offer

The Angels not making a qualifying offer to Torii Hunter should not come as a surprise. They were not going to want to pay him $13 million. Maybe they would’ve bit the bullet and picked up the option if Vernon Wells wasn’t on the team, however Wells is an Angel.

Sep 28, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Torii Hunter (48) bats during the game against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark. The Angels beat the Rangers 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

So where do they go from here and what does it all mean? Well, the Angels can still negotiate with him, however, they will not get a draft pick if he indeed signs with another team (Yankees, Rangers or otherwise). The Angels have exclusive rights to negotiate with Hunter until Saturday, however, don’t expect Hunter to be re-signed in the next 24 hours.Hunter’s gonna hit the market. There is more than a likely chance that he doesn’t return to the Angels. Is it impossible? No, however, it will make it harder for them to come to an agreement.

As I talked about earlier in the offseason, Hunter’s numbers suggest a regression from what he didlast year. It’s not that I wouldn’t re-sign him, however, I only would for a one year deal at a much reduced rate than what he had been asking for.

When you hear talk from his agent saying things like “We are moving on,” it probably doesn’t bode well for the chances that he indeed returns.

The Angels are gonna focus on getting Zack Greinke back in the fold and if it comes at expense of Hunter so be it. The Angels should have enough hitting to get by next year. Now about that pitching….