Angels tender contracts to all 7 eligible
ANAHEIM -- The Angels tendered contracts for 2023 to all seven of their arbitration-eligible players ahead of Friday’s 5 p.m. PT deadline, including third baseman Gio Urshela, who was acquired in a trade with the Twins earlier in the day.
First baseman Jared Walsh, infielder Luis Rengifo, right fielder Taylor Ward, left-hander Patrick Sandoval and right-handers Griffin Canning and Jaime Barría were also tendered contracts. Walsh, Rengifo, Ward and Urshela are regulars, while Sandoval had a breakout season and is a key part of the rotation.
The decision to tender contracts to the seven players didn’t come as a surprise, although Canning didn’t pitch last year due to a back injury. But he is on a throwing program and expected to be ready for the start of next season. Canning is in the mix for the final spot in the rotation after the Angels recently signed lefty Tyler Anderson to a three-year deal worth $33 million.
Barría also could compete for the final spot in the rotation after excelling in long relief last year, posting a 2.61 ERA in 79 innings. He’s eligible for arbitration for the first time. Barría could also be utilized in the same role as he was last season, when he helped keep the bullpen fresh with multi-inning outings in relief.
Two-way star Shohei Ohtani had been eligible for a final season of arbitration, but he signed a one-year deal worth $30 million on Oct. 1. Catcher Chad Wallach and right-hander Mike Mayers also would’ve been eligible for arbitration this offseason, but the Angels designated Mayers for assignment on Sept. 27 and outrighted Wallach to Triple-A Salt Lake on Nov. 2.