Angels pick up club option on Escobar for '17
This browser does not support the video element.
As expected, the Angels picked up third baseman Yunel Escobar's $7 million option for the 2017 season in advance of Monday's deadline, the club announced.
Escobar, 34, produced a .304/.355/.391 line with 28 doubles, five home runs and 68 runs in 132 games this season, his first with the club. He projects as the Angels' leadoff hitter and primary third baseman heading into the 2017 season.
The Angels would have paid Escobar a $1 million buyout if they did not pick up his option by Monday's deadline.
Meanwhile, the Angels did not extend $17.2 million qualifying offers to any of their eligible free agents, most notably right-hander Jered Weaver. Other players who became free agents include: Andrew Bailey, Jhoulys Chacín, Tim Lincecum, Geovany Soto and C.J. Wilson.
Worth noting
• The Angels have promoted Nate Horowitz to director of pro scouting, according to the Los Angeles Times. Horowitz, 28, replaces Hal Morris, who left the organization during the season for a position with Fantex, an investment company geared towards professional athletes.
• Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker, Huston Street, Nick Tropeano and Andrew Heaney were reinstated from the 60-day disabled list. In a corresponding roster move, Cory Rasmus was designated for assignment.