The Los Angeles Angels officially made their first move of the offseason, declining the team options on left-hand pitcher Aaron Loup and infielder Eduardo Escobar. Both moves were expected to happen but now have been executed out.
The Angels declined the $9 million club option for Escobar, which was always way too much to pay him for next season. And they declined the $7.5 million option on Loup.
Escobar came over to the team mid-season in a trade with the New York Mets, and he was supposed to be part of the answer to turn things around. But instead, he really struggled during his time with the team.
In 60 games with the Angels, Escobar hit .219 with just 15 runs batted in. He struggled to find any sort of consistency, and it cost him dearly.
As for Loup. his time with the Angels mercifully comes to an end. He went 2-3 on the season, posting an ERA of 6.10. He also put together a WHIP of 1.74, and never really recovered from his early issues.
The veteran will now look for a new team, and the Angels will have to fill a need in the bullpen. Loup never lived up to expectations, and it was always a gamble whenever he took the mound this year.
The Halos will look to replace both this winter, and they have a ton of work to do along the entire roster. We could see a change in the way that the team handles their business, depending on what happens with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.
This offseason is going to be a big one for this franchise as they try to take themselves out of the mediocrity that they have been in. People across baseball will be watching closely, and it’ll be fascinating to see.
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