LA Angels Release Francisco Arcia, Four Others

The LA Angels are preparing for free agency, and released five players (all who cleared waivers) to clear up cap space for the upcoming offseason.

With this offseason gearing up to be a crazy one, the LA Angels seem to be preparing for action. On Friday, the team announced via Twitter that they released five players, and that each one cleared waivers.

Among these players, a few of them were surprising to see released. Eduardo Parades is still just 23 years old, and despite struggling in the MLB last year, has succeeded at every minor league level in the past. For the team to release him at such a young age gives another organization the chance to scoop him up and help him mature.

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Odrisamer Despaigne was an absolute bust for the Angels in 2018, and at 31-years old, was an obvious cut from the roster. An ERA of 8.20 during his time with the Angels, Despaigne was forced to start four games (eight total appearances) and still only threw 17.2 innings. He was a mid-season flier who didn’t pan out and will be moving on in 2019.

Deck McGuire had ups-and-downs during his time with the Angels, but overall was lackluster. He has been with seven different organizations during his career, and could be towards the end of his playing days should he fail to land with a team this offseason. Like Parades, McGuire has shown flashes in the minor leagues but has failed to live up to expectations every time he takes the mound in a big league ballpark. His 26 strikeouts to 21 walks was his biggest concern with the Angels, and if he can’t bring that ratio down he may have played his final game in the big leagues.

Jefry Marte and Francisco Arcia were the biggest surprises to be released. Marte started the season hot and some were even wanting him in the lineup everyday. While he never quite reached that level, he was a suitable bench player who offered versatility on the defensive side of the game.

Arcia stole everyone’s hearts after breaking an MLB record after 12 years in the minors. However, his offense fell off quickly and it seems like the Angels are comfortable moving into free agency with only Jose Briceno and Kevan Smith (a sneaky signing) on their roster.

With the Angels gearing up for free agency and clearing cap, some names had to be released. Marte and Arcia are both strong candidates to return to the Angels later in the offseason, but as of now they’re looking for new homes.