Los Angeles Angels Roster Rumors: Kole Calhoun Last to Agree on New Deal, Avoids Arbitration
Finally, the Los Angeles Angels no longer have a player in arbitration with the news that right fielder Kole Calhoun agreed to a $3.4 million contract offer for one year. The deal was made possible after a compromise between the two parties, where Calhoun originally asked for $3.9 million and the Angels willing to give him $2.35 million. Literally, the agreed-upon price is exactly $275,000 beyond the middle.
Calhoun is a proven major league contributor with a Gold Glove, which he won last year. He batted .256, coupled with 26 home runs and 83 RBIs. Before becoming eligible for arbitration proceedings this year, he was paid by the Angels a salary of $537,500 for his services last season. Before this agreement, the team also recently inked a contract for pitcher Garrett Richards.
The 28-year-old became eligible for arbitration in a very thin margin; he also will be eligible for three more years. Aside from him and Richards, Los Angeles also agreed with two other regulars in Hector Santiago and Fernando Salas. The former got $5 million, while the latter will be receiving $2.4 million.
The last time the Angels resorted to an arbitration hearing was almost five years ago when they couldn't reach an agreement with Jered Weaver.
Angels trade news
In other news, the Angels seem to be far from satisfied in improving the team this offseason. After reaching a figure with Calhoun, they sent infielder Kody Eaves to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Jefry Marte, another infielder. The trade means that the young Eaves will have a chance to get a crack at the Tigers rotation this upcoming season after spending the entirety of last year with the single A Inland Empire. Marte, on the other hand, spent majority of last season with the triple A Toledo. Both players are more like prospects waiting to be called up for major league action.
