Veteran pitcher Shoen Anderson has officially entered the free-agent market after being designated for assignment (DFA) by the Los Angeles Angels. This move marks the first roster change for the team before the official start of the new club ownership system. Anderson’s decision to pursue free agency comes after the Angels DFA’d him following his return from the 15-day injured list late last month. He spent a significant portion of the season navigating between the major and minor leagues, leading to a sense of uncertainty about his future with the club.
Anderson’s Journey to Free Agency
The Angels’ decision to designate Anderson for assignment, a move he accepted, paved the way for him to explore opportunities as a free agent. This marks the second time in his career that Anderson, a seven-year Major League Baseball veteran, will test the open market. The Angels organization is on the cusp of a significant transition, with reports indicating a deal for owner Arte Moreno to sell the team. Anderson’s departure is thus a notable event, occurring just as the franchise is poised to enter a new era under different leadership.
Performance Struggles in Recent Seasons
Anderson faced considerable challenges during the previous season. While pitching for the Angels, he logged 11 1/3 innings, surrendering six home runs and posting a high earned run average (ERA) of 10.32. Much of his time was spent in the minor leagues, a difficult period for the pitcher. His performance in the current 2024 season has also been below expectations. He has pitched only 20 innings, with an ERA of 7.65. Even in Triple-A, his performance was unsatisfactory, recording a 4.95 ERA over 43 2/3 innings.
Past Success in the KBO League
Before his struggles in recent MLB seasons, Anderson had a notable stint in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League. In 2023, while playing for the KIA Tigers, he pitched 79 innings, achieving a record of 4 wins and 7 losses with a 3.76 ERA. Following his time in Korea, he returned to Major League Baseball. Across his MLB career, Anderson has pitched 183 1/3 innings, accumulating 6 wins and 7 losses, with an ERA of 6.53.
Looking Ahead: Potential and Future Options
Despite recent performance dips, Anderson is expected to continue his pursuit of a career in Major League Baseball. His ability to strike out opposing batters remains a valuable asset. Furthermore, his seven years of experience make him a potentially attractive option for teams with a large contingent of younger players seeking veteran leadership. Should he not secure a major league contract, the possibility remains that the Angels could re-sign him to a minor league deal.
Key Career Statistics and Outlook
- MLB Career: 183 1/3 IP, 6 Wins, 7 Losses, 6.53 ERA
- 2023 KBO (KIA Tigers): 79 IP, 4 Wins, 7 Losses, 3.76 ERA
- 2023 MLB (Angels): 11 1/3 IP, 6 HR allowed, 10.32 ERA
- 2024 MLB: 20 IP, 7.65 ERA
- 2024 Triple-A: 43 2/3 IP, 4.95 ERA
Anderson’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of professional baseball careers. While his recent MLB statistics have been concerning, his past success, particularly in the KBO, and his demonstrated ability to miss bats suggest he could still contribute to a team. The upcoming free agency period will reveal whether a major league club sees enough potential to offer him a contract, or if he will need to continue his career on a minor league assignment.
