Raul Ibanez released by Angels

There has been speculation that this was on the horizon for 42-year old Raul Ibanez since the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim called up rookie C.J. Cron on May 3 of this year.  Ibanez was released by the Angels on Saturday after having some major struggles as the Angels’ designated hitter.

Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reported earlier that Ibanez was released from his contract which means he immediately becomes a free agent. Depending upon what kind of contract Ibanez may, or may not, be looking for he will more than likely have some options. Teams are often looking to sign guys like Ibanez to minor league deals but finding guaranteed playing time in the majors may prove to be extremely difficult for the 42-year old.

Just last season with the Seattle Mariners, Ibanez hit .242 with 29 home runs and 65 RBI at the age of 41. The Angels signed the outfielder/designated hitter to a one-year $2.75 million contract in the off-season, hoping he could provide depth on the bench.

Unfortunately, Ibanez was unable to reproduce his 2013 numbers with the Angels this season. His slash line, as of today, with the Angels was .157/.258/.265 with three home runs and 21 RBIs in 190 plate appearances. 

Releasing Ibanez leaves the Angels without a left-handed bat on their bench but allows them to keep promising youngsters Cron and Grant Green.

If this is the end of Ibanez’s career it will be a sad way to go out for a player who made his name with the Mariners, won a World Championship with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009 and was a star for the Yankees in the 2012 playoffs. Ibanez’s career is very noteworthy. One can only hope that this is not the way it has to end, even though there is a good chance it that it is how it could be.