The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have signed veteran outfielder Chris Young to a one-year contract. The 34-year old provides depth to the Angels’ outfield which includes Mike Trout, Kole Calhoun, and Justin Upton.
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Sunday the signing of Chris Young to a one-year, major league deal. The contract is worth $2 million plus incentives, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. The announcement follows the team’s deal with veteran first baseman, Chris Carter.
Young is platoon hitter whose career .262 batting average against left-handed pitching is significantly higher than his .237 overall average. With 19 defensive runs saved and an 8.5 ultimate zone rating, FanGraphs rates Young as an above average defender over the course of his career. However, Baseball Prospectus’ Fielding Runs Above Average show dramatic fluctuations through his time in the majors.
| Chris Young Fielding Runs Above Average | |
|---|---|
| Year | FRAA |
| 2012 | 1.3 |
| 2013 | 3.6 |
| 2014 | 1.4 |
| 2015 | -6.6 |
| 2016 | -1.2 |
| 2017 | -4.2 |
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Needless to say, Mike Trout is not being moved from center field. Also, Kole Calhoun and Justin Upton are both solid defenders in their respective corner outfield positions. With such drastic platoon splits with the bat, being beyond 30-years-old, and declining fielding skills, Young’s role with the Angels is likely as a platoon righty, should the need occur.
The Angels were a mediocre team last season. They finished the year with an 80-82 record and were five games back in the American League Wild Card race. The last time the Angels were in the playoffs was in 2014. The Kansas City Royals swept the Halos in the American League Division Series. The ballclub has not won a postseason game since 2009.
Despite the , The Halos front office made big moves to put the team in contention, like signing Japanese pitcher Shohei Ohtani and infielders Ian Kinsler and Zack Cosart.
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Chris Young’s deal is a marginal improvement to the roster that shows fans the team is willing to compete this season, even if he is used simply as a depth.