The Los Angeles Angels, in an effort to reshape their roster for 2024, have declined their player options on veterans Aaron Loup and Eduardo Escobar.
Per MLBTradeRumors:
The Angels announced that they have declined club options on left-hander Aaron Loup and infielder Eduardo Escobar. Both will now become free agents, with Loup receiving a $2.5MM buyout instead of a $7.5MM salary for 2024, while Escobar receives a buyout of $500K instead of a $9MM salary.
Loup struggled in 2023, going 2-3 with a 6.10 ERA over 55 games. He just wrapped up his 12th year in the big leagues with the Angels, Blue Jays, Phillies, Padres, Rays, and Mets. He helped the Rays get to the 2020 World Series and then posted a 0.95 ERA with the Mets in 2021.
Lifetime, he's 23-30 with a 3.43 ERA. He's about to turn 36-years-old so he could be headed for a one-year deal at this point in his career, but given his prior successes, he figures to get an opportunity in a bullpen next season.
As for Escobar, he's about to turn 35-years-old and his future seems a little more murky. The former All-Star hit just .226 this year for the Mets and Angels with six home runs and 31 RBI.
He is just two years removed from the All-Star season with the Diamondbacks/Brewers, when he ended up hitting 28 homers and bringing in 90. His past performances can likely override a down year enough to get him a chance in 2024, but it could be on a minor league deal. There likely won't be many chances at guaranteed starting jobs.
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