Angels biggest prospect busts since 2000

Roberto Baldoquin

The Angels cut ties with Roberto Baldoquin last month, ending what will go down as one of the worst international signings in club history. Ok, let’s just call it the worst.

Jerry Dipoto signed the Cuban defect to a franchise record $8 million signing bonus in 2014, blowing past the bonus pool limit, subjecting the team to a tax surcharge that inflated the cost of the signing to $14 million. By exceeding their bonus pool amount in 2014, the Angels were then limited to just $300,000 in signing money for the following two seasons. This cost them a chance to sign Vladimir Guerrero‘s son, who has become a top young player for the Blue Jays.

Baldoquin suffered through injuries and disappointing performances trying to make his way through the minor leagues. He struggled to get out of High-A in 2015 and 2016, and never progressed past Double-A where he batted .247/.303/.318 over two seasons.

The $14 million prospect, who the Angels essentially invested three international signing pools into acquiring, never played a game in the major leagues.