Angels decline 2020 option on Calhoun

ANAHEIM -- The Angels are declining right fielder Kole Calhoun’s $14 million option for 2020 and will instead pay his $1 million buyout, the club announced Monday.

Calhoun, who signed a three-year, $26 million deal in 2017 that included an option for '20, will be a free agent. The Angels, though, could still decide to bring Calhoun back on a lesser deal.

The Angels made the decision because their priority this winter is to improve their starting rotation, as they remain interested in the top free agents available such as Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg. The Angels also have some outfield depth with the emergence of Jo Adell, their No. 1 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, who has been moved to right field and could be ready for the Major Leagues early in the season.

The Angels also have Brian Goodwin, who could serve as the starting right fielder until Adell’s ready to take over. Adell is ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and is currently playing with Team USA in the Premier 12 tournament in Mexico.

If Calhoun doesn’t return, he had an impressive eight-year tenure with the Angels after being selected in the eighth round of the 2010 Draft out of Arizona State University. Calhoun, 32, hit .249/.322/.424 with 140 homers and 451 RBIs in 966 games with the Angels. He also batted .232/.325/.467 with a career-high 33 homers and 74 RBIs in 152 games in '19.

Calhoun also won a Gold Glove in 2015 and was one of three finalists for the award this season, losing to Boston's Mookie Betts. Calhoun was a fan favorite during his time with the club and was considered a clubhouse leader. He also had a strong friendship with Mike Trout, as the two had played together since '12.