Another year, another large contract eaten by the Los Angeles Angels in the final year of the deal.
Last year, the Angels released Albert Pujols, paying him over $30 million to be a somewhat productive player in a platoon role for the Dodgers over the final few months of the season. This year, they have designated Justin Upton for assignment as they are moving on from another disappointing large contract.
Los Angeles Angels rid themselves of Justin Upton
It is possible that the Angels will get out of paying the rest of his contract. If another team claims Upton while he is on waivers, they will be responsible for the remaining $28 million he is due this year. However, that is highly unlikely when they could just sign him for the minimum once he has cleared waivers, sticking the Angels with the vast majority of his salary for the upcoming year.
Chances are, Upton is going to clear waivers. He is coming off of his third consecutive subpar season, producing a .211/.296/.409 batting line in his 362 plate appearances in 2021, hitting 17 homers and 12 doubles. No one would want to pick up his salary for that level of production.
But there are signs that Upton could be a useful piece for another team going forward. He is having a strong showing in spring training, with five hits, including three homers, in his 19 plate appearances. He has also drawn three walks while striking out just once. There is a chance that he can return to the form he showed earlier in his career.
If that happens, it will not be with the Angels. He has instead become another bust of a long term contract, another sign that the front office was less than competent in their dealings. Upton was not the first of those long term deals to be a disaster, and he will not be the last.
The Los Angeles Angels are set to eat another large contract. They have designated Justin Upton for assignment as he has no place on the roster.