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Los Angeles Angels giving Dalton Pompey a chance

By David Hill

BRADENTON, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Dalton Pompey #23 of the Toronto Blue Jays squares up to bunt the baseball during the Spring Training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park on February 27, 2019 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
BRADENTON, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Dalton Pompey #23 of the Toronto Blue Jays squares up to bunt the baseball during the Spring Training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park on February 27, 2019 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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Once upon a time, Dalton Pompey was one of the top prospects in baseball. He was considered a consensus top 50 prospect, a fleet footed outfielder whose excellent approach at the plate made him appear to be perfect for the top of the batting order. Pompey had a bit of pop as well, giving him a chance to be a five tool player in his prime. However, injuries stalled his development, and the Blue Jays let him go after the 2019 season.

Although he had signed with the Diamondbacks last year, Pompey was let go during the pause caused by the pandemic. He has now gotten another chance, signed by the Los Angeles Angels on a minor league deal.

Los Angeles Angels take a chance on Dalton Pompey

Pompey had appeared to be on his way to becoming a future star. He had an excellent minor league campaign in 2014, reaching Triple-A as a 21 year old and getting a look in the majors. He had produced a .317/.392/.469 batting line with nine homer, 22 doubles, and 43 steals in 500 plate appearances across three minor league levels, rocketing to the top of the Blue Jays’ prospect list.

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Toronto cleared the outfield to give him a starting role on Opening Day, but Pompey was unable to seize that opportunity. He produced a miserable .193/.264/.337 batting line in his 91 plate appearances, hitting six doubles and two homers while stealing two bases. Banished to the minors, Pompey put together another solid showing, earning a September callup. However, he struggled in that second chance as well.

Then the injuries came. He only played half a season in Triple-A in 2016, and was essentially used as a pinch runner during his September callup that season. From 2017 through 2019, he appeared in just 82 minor league games, with another five in the majors, being completely bypassed in the Blue Jays’ system.

There is a chance that the Angels could have a diamond in the rough. Pompey is still just 28 years old, and is presumably healthy now. He may be able to tap into that potential that made him such a hot commodity not too long ago. If not, the Angels can just keep him in Triple-A as a depth piece or simply cut ties.

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The Los Angeles Angels are giving Dalton Pompey another chance. If he is finally healthy, it is a deal that could prove to be a bargain.

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