Tim Anderson was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, continuing a troubling downturn in the career of the two-time MLB All-Star. This move, which effectively removes him from the Angels’ 40-man roster, triggered intense responses from baseball fans across social media, reflecting both frustration and sympathy.
Tim Anderson’s Career Decline and Struggles with the Angels
Once celebrated as one of baseball’s top hitters, Tim Anderson’s recent performance has been far from his peak years. Since 2023, the two-time batting champion has hit only one home run, which contributed to a significant drop in his playing time and overall impact. After signing a one-year minor league contract with the Angels this offseason and receiving an invitation to Spring Training, Anderson aimed to regain his past form, especially as he recovered from injuries that reportedly affected his hitting confidence.
However, Anderson’s stint with the Angels did not live up to expectations. Over 31 games and 90 plate appearances, he posted a .205 batting average with a .258 on-base percentage and a .241 slugging percentage. He recorded no home runs and just two extra-base hits during this time, signaling a continued struggle at the plate. As a result, the Angels chose to designate him for assignment, marking yet another setback in a career that once saw him thrive.
Earlier in his career, Anderson’s offensive numbers were among the best in the league. Between 2019 and 2022, he maintained an impressive slash line of .318/.347/.473 and hit 51 home runs. In 2023, he appeared 79 times for the Chicago White Sox, recording six home runs and 25 RBIs. But since then, his performance has steadily declined, leading to shorter stints with teams and diminishing playing opportunities.
Mixed Fan Reactions to Anderson’s Designation
The news of Tim Anderson being designated for assignment by the Angels prompted a wave of emotions across MLB fan communities. Some fans expressed disappointment and sadness for a player once regarded as a star, while others reacted more critically, referencing past incidents and Anderson’s rapid decline.
One social media user wrote,
“Not the first time Anderson goes down”
—alluding to a previous altercation involving Anderson and José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians. Comments like this highlighted a perception that Anderson’s downfall has been ongoing.
Other remarks captured the sharp fall Anderson has experienced in recent years. One fan said,
“Gonna need to make a 30 for 30 on the downfall of this dude ever since he got clocked in the face by Jose Ramirez”
— Jake, Twitter User.
Another added perspective on how off-field comments and incidents may have impacted Anderson’s career, stating,
“The fallout of this guy is amazing, he is still young. After his comments about comparing himself as Jackie Robinson it has backfired so bad. Then getting knocked down by Ramirez was the cherry on top.”
— Eddie, Twitter User.
Despite the criticism, some fans expressed sympathy and disbelief at how quickly Anderson’s promising career has faltered. Many noted that Anderson, once a cornerstone for the White Sox over eight seasons, now faces an uncertain future after being released by the Miami Marlins in July 2024 and failing to make a lasting impact with the Angels.
Angels’ Current Struggles Parallel Anderson’s Challenges
Tim Anderson’s designation for assignment comes amid a difficult period for the Los Angeles Angels as a team. Shortly after moving on from Anderson, the Angels were swept by the New York Yankees, losing their third consecutive game and dropping a tight 1-0 match on Wednesday night. Despite pitching well and limiting the powerhouse Yankees to a single run, the Angels were unable to generate any offense themselves.
This streak interrupted a recent winning run that included an impressive sweep of their local rivals, the Dodgers. However, following that success, the Angels have struggled through consecutive losses to both the Miami Marlins and the Yankees, highlighting broader challenges the team faces beyond Anderson’s departure.
The Angels now prepare to face the Cleveland Guardians, who recently avoided being swept themselves with a late-game comeback against the Dodgers. This upcoming contest represents a chance for the Angels to halt their skid and regain momentum in the highly competitive American League West division.
What Tim Anderson’s Future Might Look Like
Tim Anderson’s designation for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels adds to a growing list of challenges he has faced in recent years. From being a central figure with the Chicago White Sox to brief stints with the Miami Marlins and now a release by the Angels, Anderson’s once-promising career appears to be at a crossroads.
At 31 years old, Anderson still has potential to revive his career, but the path forward is uncertain, especially as his recent on-field production has been underwhelming. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if a new opportunity arises for him in Major League Baseball or if this marks a decline that will persist.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels continue to battle inconsistencies, struggling to find steady success despite a talented roster. How they address roster moves following Anderson’s designation and whether they can rediscover their winning form will be crucial in shaping the remainder of their season.