The Los Angeles Angels have continued to attempt to rebuild their bullpen this offseason, adding yet another veteran piece in lefty specialist Alex Claudio on a one-year contract for the 2021 season.
The new lefty is the second notable veteran addition to Los Angeles’ bullpen this season, joining former Reds closer Raisel Iglesias.
Claudio, a bullpen staple over the past seven seasons in the big leagues with the Texas Rangers and most recently the Milwaukee Brewers, joins the Angels on a one-year contract valued at $1.125 million.
The Puerto Rico native has compiled a 3.44 ERA in 311 career appearances since 2014. He appeared in 20 games for the Brewers last season, compiling a 4.26 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched.
Claudio is best known for his ability to neutralize left-handed batters, as he has held them to just a .202 batting average over the length of his career.
While the MLB’s new three-batter limit for relievers has made it hard for Claudio and other lefty specialists who were once accustomed to facing just a batter or two, he should serve as a primary option for manager Joe Maddon when a tough lefty batter comes up on an opposing team.
Claudio is expected to report healthy and ready to go at Angels camp in Arizona in a couple of months.
