LA Angels Free Agency Position Breakdown: Outfield

The Depth Piece

This is the route the Halos likely go, considering they’ll most likely stick with their starting outfield for the 2019 season (unless Jo Adell forces their hand of course). For this, I’d expect them to at least check in on career journeyman Melky Cabrera.

Another 34-year old, Cabrera is a switch-hitting outfielder who is nearing the final chapter of his career. He was only able to play in 78 games last year, but hit .280 with 17 doubles, 6 big flies, and 39 RBI’s. Not a bad season at all, but it is likely he is used as depth for the remainder of his career due to age, performance, and health.

While he can play both corner outfield spots, which is a positive, he does not play either particularly well. He is not an atrocity out their, but did finish 2018 with -7 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved). Calhoun is a Gold Glove winner, Upton has been a finalist, and Trout will likely win his first this offseason. The Angels have always valued good defense, even from their backups, but Cabrera’s ability at the plate might be good enough for Billy Eppler to look past the defensive liability and sign him as the Angels’ fourth outfielder.