Angels Release Catcher Less Than Two Weeks Into Camp

The veteran spent all of 15 days in the organization.

Francisco Mejia was supposed to be a potential member of the Los Angeles Angels this upcoming season. The 28-year-old catcher signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training Feb. 9, joining his fourth organization since breaking in with Cleveland in 2017. 

With new skipper Ron Washington wanting to change the culture within the squad, Mejia was signed as a defensive-minded player with postseason experience and a workmanlike attitude. 

However, only a few weeks into Spring Training, Mejia was shown the door: 

Ron Washington said the Angels realized they wanted to give their young catchers more time so they released Mejia now to allow him a chance to get a job with another team.

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) February 25, 2024

Mejia had previously played for the Guardians, San Diego Padres, and most recently the Tampa Bay Rays. The 28-year-old was an integral member of the Rays for the last three seasons, functioning primarily as the team's backup catcher. 

After last season Mejia became a free agent. By waiting until February to sign him, the Angels suggested they were in no rush to bring Mejia into the organization. Still, 15 days isn't very long for a team's front office to decide a player didn't fit.   

This could be a part of the youth movement the Angels' franchise will embrace in 2024. As the roster is currently constituted, the two catchers who appear to be front-runners for major league jobs are Logan O'Hoppe and Matt Thaiss. 

C Francisco Mejia was released from his minor-league contract by #Angels who, per @JeffFletcherOCR, want to give more playing time to younger catchers.
Early in the process, but there's been initial talks with #Rays about a potential return, and likely with other teams.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 25, 2024

Mejia hit .227 with five home runs and 19 RBIs last year in 50 games for the Rays. Throughout his career, the Dominican Republic native has a .239 batting average with 29 home runs in a little more than 1,000 at-bats. 

While this isn't a huge loss for the franchise in the grand scheme of things, the Angels will benefit from the experience of other veterans in camp, some of whom will begin the season in Triple-A.