The Los Angeles Angels have officially released infielder Tim Anderson, making him a free agent after he had been designated for assignment two days earlier. Anderson’s release follows an expected team decision due to his recent performance struggles, and he now faces an uncertain future in Major League Baseball as he seeks new opportunities.
Recent Struggles Lead to Designation and Release
When Anderson was designated for assignment earlier this week, the move foreshadowed his release, as a claim by another team appeared unlikely given his recent statistics. With sufficient service time, Anderson had the right to reject an outright assignment to the minors and opt for free agency, which the Angels allowed to proceed without further formalities.
This season, Anderson’s offensive production remained disappointing. Over 90 plate appearances with the Angels, he posted a combined line of .205/.258/.241. Extending the view to the entire 2023 campaign and beyond, across 855 plate appearances, his offensive output resulted in a low .232/.269/.270 slash line. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) stands at 49, indicating that he has performed 51 percent below league average at the plate during this stretch.
Past Success May Offer Minor League Opportunities
Despite his recent difficulties, Anderson has demonstrated substantial major league success in previous years. From 2019 through 2022 with the Chicago White Sox, he hit .318/.347/.473, achieving a 123 wRC+. He was known for both effective offense and speed, stealing 53 bases while providing solid defense at shortstop.
However, in early 2023, Anderson suffered a left knee sprain that placed him on the injured list and appeared to mark a turning point in his performance downturn. The White Sox declined their $14 million club option on Anderson for 2024, opting instead for a $1 million buyout. The following offseason, Anderson signed a $5 million deal with the Miami Marlins but was released midseason. He then agreed to a minor league contract with the Angels, made the Opening Day roster, but was unable to regain his form.
Looking Ahead: Free Agent Status and Future Prospects
With his 32nd birthday approaching next month, Anderson enters free agency facing the reality that major league offers are unlikely in the near term. It remains possible he may receive minor league contracts as teams assess his potential to rebound. The Angels’ decision signifies a challenging moment for Anderson, as he seeks to rebuild his value and return to sustained major league play.