Angels 38-Year-Old Journeyman Pitcher Elects Free Agency, Likely Heading Toward Retirement

A little offseason roster housekeeping for the Halos.

The offseason and free agency doesn't begin in earnest until after the World Series is over in early November. However, that's not the case when it comes to minor league free agents.

Last week, the Angels reported through the MiLB transactions page that journeyman pitcher Cesar Valdez had elected free agency. 

The 38-year-old right-hander last appeared in an MLB game for the Halos in 2022, pitching in just one game and allowing 2 runs over one inning. He spent the entirety of the 2023 season at Triple-A Salt Lake, appearing in 33 games (16 starts) while posting a 6.95 ERA over 114 innings.

A veteran of parts of five seasons at the big league level, Valdez owns a career 5-6 record with a 6.11 ERA in 69 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland A's, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and the Angels.

Given his age and performance over the last few years, it wouldn't be surprising to see the hurler pack it up and call it a career. But, if the passion still burns, he might find another minor league deal as an innings eater at the AAA level in 2024. 

He'll be 39 by opening day next year.