Former Angels Outfielder Opts Out of Deal With Division Rival, Heads Back to Free Agency

He has struggled ever since leaving LA.

Loyal fans of the Los Angeles Angels may remember a certain outfielder by the name of Kole Calhoun who suited up for the franchise from 2012-2019. They were all he knew in his professional career up until the front office opted to buy him out following the 2019 season.

Calhoun would then go on to sign a two-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks and a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately, injuries and an inconsistent role led to the 35-year-old's production dropping and he signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners prior to Spring Training.

However, it has now been reported by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that Calhoun has hit the free agent market yet again.

Outfielder Kole Calhoun has opted out of his minor-league deal with the Mariners and is now a free agent, a source tell @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 26, 2023

"Outfielder Kole Calhoun has opted out of his minor-league deal with the Mariners and is now a free agent, a source tell

@TheAthletic

."

(Per Ken Rosenthal)

For his career, Calhoun has posted a slash line of .243/.316/.418 and even brought home a Gold Glove award in 2015. In his final season with the Halos, he proved to still be a solid option in every regard but the front office was pleased with their other outfielder options.

Unfortunately, with Calhoun's numbers not looking like before and him only getting older, it will be tough to see another major league team take a chance on him for their main roster. He will likely have to regain trust via a AAA or AA squad.

Fans shared their reactions on Twitter to this news.

Bring Kole home to Anaheim for a ring this year

— Cal Collect (@halofan02) March 26, 2023

Kole wants to return to the superior AL West team. pic.twitter.com/MmGMCVQSZM

— The Ghost of Mike Scioscia (@SpookyScioscia) March 27, 2023

He will end up somewhere and hit bombs against the Astros regardless

— tpetrspls (@brdfactory) March 26, 2023