Los Angeles Angels bring back Kaleb Cowart as two way player

Kaleb Cowart is back where he started once again, as the Los Angeles Angels have claimed the former first round pick.

It has been a rather eventful offseason for Kaleb Cowart. He had been placed on waivers by the Los Angeles Angels, only to be claimed by the Mariners. Seattle planned on looking at Cowart as a possible two way player, but ended up placing him on waivers after approximately six weeks. This time, he was claimed by the Tigers, who also planned on keeping that two way experiment alive.

However, due to the Tigers’ recent signings, they needed a spot on the 40 man roster. Cowart was once again placed on waivers, to be reclaimed by the Angels. After a whirlwind offseason, Cowart has found his way home.

That two way plan for Cowart? It is still in place with Los Angeles. The Angels have experience with that type of player already with Shohei Ohtani, and can use those lessons learned as they work with Cowart to potentially make him a true super utility player.

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The hope is that the Angels would finally get something back from their first round selection. He has struggled in his major league career, posting a lifetime .177/.241/.293 batting line with six home runs and 18 doubles in 380 plate appearances. Cowart may have reached his nadir with the bat last season, with a horrendous .134/.210/.241 batting line. Somehow, he received 124 plate appearances in the majors in 2018, perhaps illustrating the level of desperation the Angels had when it came to depth options. Chances are, it had more to do with his status as the former 18th overall pick leading to additional chances.

Even with his mediocre production with the bat, Cowart does have some value as a utility player. He can, in theory, play anywhere on the infield, and has seen time in left as well. If he can recapture the potential he displayed on the mound prior to being drafted, with his low 90s fastball and hard slider, those issues with the bat may not matter.

Cowart could get a chance in the bullpen even without playing in the field. It is not as though the Angels have the most formidable relief corps currently, giving Cowart a reasonable chance to become a two way player in his own right.

Kaleb Cowart is back with the Los Angeles Angels. Maybe this time, he can find success in the majors.