The Los Angeles Angels have made some moves, outrighting six players from their roster, according to MLB.com’s Transactions page. First baseman Jared Walsh, outfielder Brett Phillips, catcher Chad Wallach, right-handers Jaime Barria and Carson Fulmer, and left-hander Jhonathan Diaz have all been designated for assignment. Surprisingly, all six players cleared waivers. Now, Walsh, Phillips, Wallach, Barria, and Fulmer have the chance to explore free agency and find new teams in the upcoming offseason.
Jared Walsh: A Rising Star with a Recent Struggle
Among the group, Walsh stands out as the most prominent player. Drafted by the Angels in the 39th round in 2015, Walsh quickly made his way to the majors in 2019. He had a breakthrough season in 2020, where he impressed with a remarkable .293/.324/.646 slash line and nine home runs in just 108 plate appearances. In 2021, he continued his success as the team’s regular first baseman, earning his first All-Star appearance. However, Walsh faced challenges in recent years due to neurological issues, leading to a decline in his performance. Despite his struggles, teams looking for a first baseman might be enticed by his past success if he can prove he is healthy.
Brett Phillips: A Glove-First Outfielder
Phillips made his big league debut with the Brewers in 2017. While he has shown promise defensively in the outfield, his offensive numbers have been below average. Although Phillips has moved between various teams throughout his career, he could still be a valuable depth piece for teams needing a solid outfielder with great fielding skills. He might need to settle for a minor league deal, but he remains an intriguing option for interested clubs.
Chad Wallach: A Catching Option for Depth
Wallach has been a journeyman in the major and minor leagues since his debut in 2017. Injuries to the Angels’ regular catchers in 2023 provided Wallach with a chance to demonstrate his capabilities behind the plate. He performed decently, showing solid framing skills and a 70 wRC+ that ranked him 49th out of 69 catchers with at least 100 plate appearances. Wallach is likely to attract interest as a backup catcher or depth piece for teams in need of additional catching options.
Jaime Barria: A Pitcher with Ups and Downs
Barria has spent his entire career with the Angels since his MLB debut in 2018. He had an impressive rookie season, but struggled in 2019 before bouncing back in the shortened 2020 season. Since then, Barria has alternated between periods of success and struggles. Despite a difficult 2023 campaign, his relatively young age and previous achievements make him an appealing option for teams seeking pitching help.
Carson Fulmer: A Former Top Draft Pick Seeking Stability
Fulmer, selected eighth overall by the White Sox in the 2015 draft, has had a challenging career so far. He struggled in his first six seasons, moving between various organizations. However, after a solid performance in Triple-A with the Dodgers in 2022, Fulmer joined the Angels and had a decent showing in limited appearances in 2023. While he might only receive minor league offers, Fulmer’s performance could catch the attention of teams in need of pitching depth.
Jhonathan Diaz: A Left-Handed Depth Option
Diaz, a 27-year-old lefty, made his MLB debut with the Angels in 2021. He has shown potential but has also faced struggles, particularly in the 2023 season. Despite his inconsistent performance, Diaz remains a viable left-handed depth option for the Angels moving forward.
These six players have been outrighted by the Angels, providing them with the opportunity to explore new options in free agency. As they navigate the offseason, teams looking to add depth and potential breakout stars should keep an eye on these players.
