After a 74-win season and a second consecutive season outside of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Angels are looking to turn things around. Already under a long term contract is a player many consider to be the best in the game, Mike Trout. Today, the Angels avoided arbitration with 29-year old right fielder Kole Calhoun. They now have two thirds of their starting outfield signed through the 2019 season.
Here’s something to celebrate: The #Angels have signed @KoleCalhoun to a 3-year contract extension with a club option for the 2020 season ? pic.twitter.com/zWMthhx16s
— Angels (@Angels) January 18, 2017
Kole Calhoun Re-Signs with Angels
Calhoun signed a three-year deal worth $26 million with a $14 million dollar team option for 2020. The underrated corner outfielder was taken in the eighth round of the 2010 amateur draft by the Angels. He made his debut in 2012 playing in only 21 games. It wasn’t until 2014 when Calhoun played 127 games that he became a regular in the lineup. The Angels made the playoffs that year for the first time since 2009.
The next year Calhoun would go on to win his first Gold Glove. He tallied 11 assists from the right field corner and finished with a fielding percentage of .989. While he was great in the field, Calhoun finished with a career-high 26 home runs. He had his worst career slash line, .256/.308/.422 and struck out 164 times.
Playing in 157 games last season, Calhoun had his best offensive season as a big leaguer. He set career highs in runs and doubles, as well as walks. Calhoun managed to decrease his strikeout total from 164 to 118 while walking 22 more times. His line improved to .271/.348/.438.
After having a sports hernia surgery early on this off-season, Calhoun expects to be ready for the start of spring training. This contract shows Calhoun the front office appreciates what he brings to this team and want him here for their long term plans. Calhoun will be entering his age-33 season if the Angels pick up the option when this contract ends. It will allow him to possibly cash in big one more time in his career.
With this the Angels now have four key players under contract for the next 3-4 years. A good core veteran group of Albert Pujols, Andrelton Simmons, Trout, and now Calhoun will set the tone both on the field and in the clubhouse for the Angels moving forward.
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