Anaheim, CA - November 15: Angels new manager Ron Washington, left, speaks after being introduced by General manager Perry Minasian, right, during a news conference at Angel Stadium in Anaheim Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Deal Completed: Los Angeles Angels Head Coach “Ron Washington” Signed A New, Long Term Contract With The Angels.
Reports about the Los Angeles Angels’ interest in signing free-agent starting pitcher Blake Snell have been everywhere this offseason. The Halos have been looking at ways to upgrade their pitching staff, with Snell reportedly being their top target.
He is the reigning Cy Young Award winner in the National League, which makes it a bit surprising that he is still unsigned in the middle of March. Snell has been waiting for a contract offer that he deemed worthy of his skill set, and to date, nothing has met his requirements.
Snell has reportedly been looking for a deal over $200 million but has since been more open to signing a shorter deal with opt-outs. The Angels remain very interested in signing the left-hander but have one big roadblock standing in their way.
That would be owner Arte Moreno, who seems intent on not seriously going after Snell. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Moreno has held firm on not signing Snell to this point.
“Perry Minasian, their GM, has been lobbying Arte Moreno all winter to sign a Blake Snell, to sign a JD Martinez. And Arte Moreno has held fast and said ‘No, we’re not doing that, at least Blake Snell, to this point.’“
Adding Snell to the Angels rotation would be beneficial in more ways than one. He would give them an ace, something this staff is clearly missing right now.
Snell could also provide some leadership for some of the younger arms in the Halos rotation, helping them develop their skills. The Angels have three lefties in Patrick Sandoval, Tyler Anderson and Reid Detmers.
On the surface, this seems like a no-brainer, but Moreno doesn’t appear interested.
If this goes on for too much longer, another team will likely pivot to land Snell. There have already been rumors of the Angels’ rival, the Houston Astros, potentially jumping into the sweepstakes, so Moreno better act fast if the Angels are to land the Cy Young winner.
Twelve-Year Major League Veteran Announces His Retirement After Very Solid Career
After playing for four different teams in a 12-year career, veteran outfielder Kole Calhoun has announced his retirement at the age of 36.
Calhoun made his major league debut in 2012 at the age of 24 and continued until last year, when he played 43 games for the Cleveland Guardians.
All in all, he spent eight years with the Los Angeles Angels, two with the Arizona Diamondbacks, one with the Texas Rangers and one with the Guardians.
Calhoun made the announcement on his personal channels and the message was relayed by “Angels News” on social media:
Former Angels Update: OF Kole Calhoun has retired from the game of Baseball. Calhoun, an 8th round draft pick by the Angels in 2010’ ended up playing 12 years in the majors. He played for the Angels from 2012-2019 and won a Gold Glove in 2015. Thank you @KoleCalhoun!
Calhoun had a very solid and productive career overall, playing in more than 100 games during seven seasons (he also played in 54 games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season). He hit at least 18 home runs or more in five different seasons, including a career-high 33 during the 2019 season with the Angels.
In total, he retires with 179 homers and 582 RBI. He also stole 34 bases and was part of the 2014 Angels’ team that got to the playoffs before losing against the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS.
Calhoun was a lifetime .242 hitter who had a .315 on-base percentage. In addition to winning a Gold Glove, he had a good throwing arm as well.
