The LA Angels Should Reunite With Cameron Maybin

The LA Angels made headlines when they traded for Justin Upton. However, this lead to the breakup between them and Cameron Maybin. However, 2018 may be a great chance for the pair to reunite.

The LA Angels traded for Cameron Maybin coming into the 2017 season. He was supposed to be the answer in left field. However, his .315 batting average didn’t translate from 2016, as he hit at a .235 rate with the Angels in 2017. His departure ended up positive, as Maybin earned a World Series ring with the Houston Astros.

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Now, Maybin is a free agent. He is not going to garner much on the free agent market, but will probably be looking for a starting job. While the Angels cannot offer him that with the likes of Upton, Mike Trout, and Kole Calhoun roaming the outfield, they can offer him a familiar ballpark and teammates. It was very clear how much Maybin enjoyed his time in Anaheim, and the fans and players did not hold back in showing their admiration.

Bringing Maybin back would be a feel-good story. However, it would also be a smart baseball move. This year, we saw both the Dodgers and Astros use four outfielders consistently. Having a fourth outfielder who can play as well as a starter is vital to the team’s success, especially in the chess game that is postseason baseball.

Maybin is not going to come in and surprise anyone with a career season. However, he would be able to come and play great defense. He’ll also be able to come in and run the bases when needed. This is something the Angels will need late in close games. When you have Albert Pujols, CJ Cron, Martin Maldonado, and Luis Valbuena in your lineup, pinch runners will be needed at a good rate.

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Maybin also brings a certain attitude to the game. This is where all the stats in the world don’t matter. He plays the game with a certain energy that cannot be taught. He plays with grit, reckless abandon, and a smile on his face. That is something the Angels definitely have room for, and would be wise to bring back in 2018.