The Angels are next in our 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series. Matt Swartz's salary projections are below.
- First time: Kevin Jepsen ($1.1MM)
- Second time: Jerome Williams ($1.9MM)
- Third time: Alberto Callaspo ($4.2MM), Kendrys Morales ($4.8MM)
A broken ankle caused Morales to miss most of the 2010 season and all of 2011, and he finally returned in 2012 to find Albert Pujols occupying his position. Spending the majority of his time at DH, Morales managed to pop 22 home runs in 522 plate appearances this year. It seems sudden due to the time missed, but the 29-year-old Cuban will be entering his walk year in 2013. As designated hitters go, Morales wasn't anything special this year, and besides, he's a Boras Corporation client. Free agency is probably in his future.
Callaspo was the team's primary third baseman, though he was just passable with the bat. Like Morales, he will probably be retained but seems unlikely to be extended.
Jepsen, a hard-throwing 28-year-old reliever, racked up 18 holds in just 44 2/3 innings this year. He spent a couple months early in the season at Triple-A, but by September he was in the closer discussion. He'll be around next year.
Williams battled injuries in 2012 and was eventually replaced in the rotation in July. Since his improbable return to the Majors last year, Williams has proven useful at times, but he's a likely non-tender candidate this winter.
If Morales, Callaspo, and Jepsen are retained, the Angels are looking at an estimated $10.1MM for three arbitration eligible players.
Matt Swartz's arbitration projections are available exclusively at MLB Trade Rumors. To read more about his projection model, check out this series of posts.
