The Los Angeles Angels have announced that they signed infielder Cliff Pennington to a two-year deal. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported Pennington will receive $1.5 million in 2015, and $2.25 million in 2017. Both figures are guaranteed. MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez claims Cliff can earn up $750K per season reliant on plate appearances, which can equal up to $5.25 million total.
#Angels announce they’ve agreed to 2-yr deal with Cliff Pennington. $1.5M and $2.25M base salaries, plus performance bonuses.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 17, 2015
Pennington can earn up to $750,000 a year based on plate appearances. So two-year contract can be as high as $5.25M. — Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) November 18, 2015
Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors states the 31 year old is coming off of the worst offensive season of his eight year career. Pennington spent 2015 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Toronto Blue Jays, and posted a combined .210 batting average and .298 on-base percentage. Before the 2015 season, Pennington’s career averages were at .248 (batting average), and .315 (On-base percentage). Pennington has been known as a sure and diverse glove throughout his career, and figures to also contribute in that way. Pennington can play second base, third base, and shortstop.
In other news Chris Cotillo of the MLB Daily Dish reported via tweet that OF Andruw Jones will look for an MLB team to play for in the 2016 season. Jones finished up playing in Japan, and will retire if no opportunities arise.
Andruw Jones confirms to me that he is looking for a major-league opportunity in 2016 after spending time in Japan. Will retire if no offers
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 18, 2015
Cotillo noted that Jones, 38, is a seventeen-year Major League veteran, most notably known for his time as an Atlanta Brave. Jones did have short stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees before playing with the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan for two season (2o13, 2014). Jones is a five-time All-Star and ten time Gold Glove winner. Jones hit fifty home runs combined in his two seasons in Japan. It is unclear if any teams have reported any interest.