Assessing the Angels outfield situation with predictions (Part 2)

Joc Pederson (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Joc Pederson (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Kole Calhoun (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Another option a reunion with former Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun.

Heading into 2020, Calhoun had a $14 million option. Despite the lefty recording career highs in home runs (33) and runs scored (92), the Angels had a cheaper alternative in Goodwin and top prospect Adell waiting in the wings, so the Halos decided to decline his option and let him enter free agency.

Should the Angels consider a reunion with former outfielder Kole Calhoun?

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He later signed with the Diamondbacks for 2-years/$16 million. With the D-backs, he continued his power surge, hitting 16 home runs tied for 7th in the major leagues. That high power number also comes with a low batting average of .226. That average seems to be the norm for Calhoun, as he hasn’t hit above .250 since 2016, where he held a .271 batting average.

Although he hasn’t won a gold glove since 2015, Calhoun still carries exceptional defense. This past season, he had a UZR of 5.3 (15.6 UZR/150). That puts him at 6th in the entire league and 5th among outfielders. Ahead of him include Kevin Kiermaier, Trent Grisham, Joey Gallo, Evan Longoria, and Mookie Betts. So, good company. Having Calhoun back on the team would, without a doubt, be a defensive upgrade to the options the Angels currently have.

While Calhoun is similar to Dickerson because he is also a left-handed hitting corner outfielder, their profiles are opposites. Dickerson hits for a higher average with some pop, while Calhoun hits for a low average with high power. If the Angels decide to trade for help, it’s just a matter of what type of profile they’re looking for.