Angels DFA Former Dodgers Top Prospect

The Los Angeles Angels have designated former Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect Willie Calhoun for assignment, marking the latest chapter in a career that has struggled to meet its early promise. 

Calhoun, 29, was signed to a minor league deal in the offseason and earned a promotion to the Angels' major league roster in May after an impressive spring training performance. 

Despite demonstrating solid plate discipline with a 9.1% walk rate and a low 12.2% strikeout rate, Calhoun's overall offensive output was underwhelming during the regular season. 

He slashed .245/.315/.380 with five home runs and 20 RBIs over 68 games, but his .695 OPS and recent struggles, including just one hit in his last 11 plate appearances, led to the Angels making the difficult decision to move on.

Sources: The Angels have DFA’d DH/1B Willie Calhoun. He had a .695 OPS in 68 games for them.

— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 15, 2024

Once the centerpiece of the Dodgers' 2017 trade to acquire Yu Darvish, Calhoun has since bounced between the Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and Angels, struggling to find a lasting role on any team. 

His performance over the past few seasons has reflected a decline, with a .231/.299/.360 slash line and 18 home runs across 857 plate appearances since 2020. 

His lack of power, combined with below-average speed and defensive metrics, has further limited his value, making it difficult for him to secure a stable position in the majors.

Willie Calhoun was a fun story and he started off the year hitting .296 with a .731 OPS through June 16th, but since then he’s hit .183 with a .653 OPS and has -0.3 WAR for the year. #Angels https://t.co/w4VEtyPH8m

— Eric (@ericserics) August 15, 2024

With the Angels currently sitting at 52-69 and well out of playoff contention, the team is shifting focus toward integrating younger players as they navigate another losing season. To fill Calhoun's spot, the Angels have called up versatile infielder/outfielder Jack López from Triple-A, who has shown solid performance in the minors this season. 

As Calhoun enters waivers, his future remains uncertain, with the possibility of becoming a free agent and seeking a fresh start with a fifth major league team.

Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports