Angels News: Halos GM Speaks on David Fletcher Move

The Halos still believe in Fletcher despite moving him down

The Los Angeles Angels made a shocking move on Saturday as they brought up their 2022 first-round draft pick Zach Neto and optioned their veteran infielder, David Fletcher. The news came as a shock to Angel fans and baseball fans alike. 

Halo fans were happy about Neto's call-up, and rightfully so; however, people also wondered why LA made this move. Fletcher has been with the club for six years and was formidable for the squad in his tenure. 

The Angels GM Perry Minasian spoke to OC Registers Jeff Fletcher and said he still believes in the 28-year-old. 

“We still believe in David Fletcher,” Minasian said. “We know him being here and not getting every day at-bats, I don’t think it’s necessarily the best thing for him. So he’ll go play and I expect him to be back and help this team sooner than later.”

Fletcher did not have a good 2023 campaign. He was slashing .125/.125/.125 with a .250 OPS, zero home runs, one RBI, and three strikeouts in 16 ABs. His role was nonexistent after the first game of their series against the Washington Nationals. Regardless of the move, Minasian is grateful for Fletcher and believes he can get back to where he was. 

“He’s a big part of what we’ve done, and I think we’re gonna do in the future,” Nevin said. “He’s been a great Angel. Just gotta get out there and play, get back to what Fletch was."

The infielder signed a five-year $26 million contract with the Halos, which now looks like a disaster. We're not sure what will happen with Fletcher for the rest of the season, but he's now back to square one and must prove himself again.