The Angels are in agreement with free-agent infielder/outfielder Dustin Ackley on a minor league contract, reports MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (via Twitter). It’ll be the second go-around with the Halos for Ackley, who is represented by the Boras Corporation.
Once the No. 2 overall pick in the MLB draft (2009), Ackley’s career cratered after a promising debut with the 2011 Mariners. The UNC product hit .273/.348/.417 with six homers, 16 doubles, seven triples and six steals in 376 plate appearances as a rookie, but he’d go on to bat just .235/.296/.358 over his next 1971 PAs in the Majors from 2012-16.
Ackley spent the 2017 season with the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake, where he batted .261/.340/.376 in 505 plate appearances. Now 30 years of age, Ackley has experience at all three outfield positions as well as at second base and first base, so he’ll give the Halos some depth across the board and an experienced bat to plug into the lineup in Triple-A.
Glad to see him get another chance. He played decent for the Yankees. He’s one of those super utility type players.
I dont actually think he’s that well thought of in NY at all
He was a high-profile trade target that cost a couple then-tradeable prospects and I think close to 5 million in salary.
For that excitement and cost, the Yankees got 1.5 years but a measly 113 PA because of injuries, and a putrid .212/.283/.381/.664 line when he managed to get on the field.
Despite still being under control, they released him after the miserable first full year with the club
I agree, when he was dealt to NY I was intrigued, and hoped he could find his rookie season form, but his performance was sub par. I think the M’s should’ve never messed with his positions and left him strictly as a 2B
Actually I remember the opposite, I wasn’t expecting much but he contributed lot in the second half of 15’…so much so that I thought he’d be here a long time. Then 16’ came and he wasn’t even given much of a chance, a few at bats a week…until he got hurt in May/June.
Your memory might be a bit fuzzy then.
When NY landed him he had a pretty fair career 6.9 WAR and was off a 2.1 season in 2014 where he had a 98 wRC+ and positive fielding value.
When he went to NY he landed on the DL with back issues in literally his second game. He returned in mid-Sept and crushed the ball (177 wRC+,) flukishly teasing what people might be in for outside of the hitters graveyard that is Seattle
He started 2016 with leg issues (and extremely poor play) but would get into all but 5 games in May. Even started 13 of them that month. During that time he hit .178/.268./178./447. On May 29th he went down with shoulder injury, never to return
Yankess fans I come across these days, when he gets brought up, seem to like to rail against the guy like he’s the epitome of useless – constantly hurt and crud when he’s not
2008 Mariners: Sweep the A’s in 4 games to end the season 2 W’s ahead of Washington for the 1st pick and snag Ackley instead Strasburg. 2011 draft: M’s with the 2nd pick again take Danny Hultzen (Bauer, Bundy, Lindor, Baez, Springer, Fernandez, Gray all taken later in 1st round). Can they develop anyone but Seagers, Zuninos, and bullpen guys??
Don’t forget that Ackley went ahead of Trout in the same draft, but honestly why wouldn’t you pick him? One of the best collegiate hitters of all time. He was fast tracked to the big leagues by Jack Z a GM who knew next to nothing about player development. Some players have all the talent in the world get dealt some tough breaks not only because of injury, but bad front office types who don’t know what they’re doing. The vast majority of your top 25 draft picks don’t make it and that’s just how it goes. As a mariners fan I didn’t want Strasberg and honestly all his injury issues and how he was rushed aren’t great either.
The Ackley pick was almost universally liked. He was a great college player and projected to have a quick impact at the MLB level.
Sometimes the right move doesn’t bring results. I was with you on Strasberg and thought the injuries made him a gamble.
Almost everyone passed on Trout. I don’t remember him being regarded as a potential #1 pick or anyone expecting this type of career from him. It’s like the notion the Yankees could’ve had Trout if they hadn’t signed Teixeira. That’s not a guarantee. And like the guy above said, the Ackley at #2 pick was well regarded. Dude was supposed to be a stud
As to Jack Z not knowing anything about playing development, I would suggest you look at his track record with the Brewers as Scouting Director. It was impressive!!
How about rushing Mike Zunino to the majors? Damn near ruined him before Dipoto came in.
For real. I bet Adam Jones is glad he escaped the black hole of Mariner player development…
I agree, I thought Strasburg was a huge injury liability and I saw Ackley as the the next Perdroia. In retrospect I think they would’ve been better off with Strasburg, but who knows for sure, anything could’ve happened.
A bum. He really appears to have no heart for his career. Just going through the motions for his paycheck. Not hating on him just wishing he never played for my team. I hope he retires soon for the good of mlb.
Not much love from mom, huh?
i was just thinking, what’s holding baseball back…….and it’s clear to me now, it’s Dustin Ackley!!!! you figured it out
Not hating on him? That’s the DEFINTION of hating on someone. Geez.
Yep your right. Just expected so much more. Hard being an M’s fan.
I was just wondering what happened to Ackley yesterday. Hopefully it works out.