The Angels have claimed outfielder Brian Goodwin off release waivers from the Royals, Robert Murray of The Athletic reports (on Twitter). It’s not especially common for players to be claimed off release waivers, and Goodwin will technically have the option to reject the claim (as is a player’s right when claimed off release waivers), though there’s little reason for him to do so; because Goodwin is out of minor league options, the claim means he’ll likely join the Angels’ big league roster as at least a short-term option to help fill in for the injured Justin Upton. The Angels already have a full 40-man roster, so they’ll need to make a corresponding move to accommodate Goodwin.
Goodwin, 28, went from the Nationals to the Royals in a trade last July and hit .266/.317/.415 output in 101 plate appearances with Kansas City through season’s end. Spring was a disaster for him, however, as he slashed .166/.188/.256 with 13 strikeouts against four walks through 49 plate appearances before being placed on release waivers Monday. He’ll now join Peter Bourjos, Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun in the Angels’ mix of outfielders while Upton mends a toe injury.
Once the No. 34 overall pick in the draft, Goodwin is a career .250/.315/.454 hitter with 19 home runs and 10 steals in 502 trips to the plate. He’s a left-handed hitter who can handle all three outfield positions, and he could potentially be deployed in a platoon capacity with Bourjos in his new organization.
Just waiting for a breakout season…..
Beats Bourjos.
Not even close does he beat Bourjos. I guess you think his Career WAR of 0.2 is SPECIAL?
Goodwin has 1.0 fWAR over his 502 PA career, 2016-18
Bourjos has been worth 0.04 fWAR over 633 PA over the same 2016-18 period
Your opinion of Bourjos seems completely stuck in 2012. He isn’t that player at all anymore, in really any aspect of his game
He had a pretty good spring though, for whatever that is worth.
My opinion on Bourjos is simply what it always has been. He was projected to be a starter and above average player until 3 injuries in 2 years derailed his career. He’s still a very serviceable player, when used correctly. And as far as how he compares to Goodwin right now, he’s better. He didn’t just hit for a .443 OPS in the Spring. Goodwin isn’t the defender Bourjos is, as evident by his -11 DRS in his career. My opinion is backed by facts, I don’t care if it’s 2012 or 2019.
It must be worth something to have a good spring, because Goodwin’s bad spring just got him released from one of the worst teams in baseball, KC.
“My opinion on Bourjos is simply what it always has been”
Yep, I know, and that is what is so odd. Afterall
Bourjos last 4 seasons:
(-)1.5 Def value
16 SB and 16 CS
.284 OBP – 13th lowest of 342 guys with 800+ PA
0.2 fWAR
(-)0.1 bWAR
Bourjos no longer has his Defense, no longer has his running ability, and is still one of the worst hitters you’ll find. He is the epitome of replacement level player, indistinguishable from any number of scrubs
Outperforming him over that time? Guys like:
1.6 fWAR, 1.3 bWAR – Jarrett Parker
1.0 fWAR, 0.2 BWAR – Brian Goodwin
1.3 fWAR, 1.5 bWAR – Ben Revere
1.1 fWAR, 0.9 bWAR – Chris Young
0.4 fWAR, 0.2 bWAR – Michael Bourne (who retired 2 years ago now)
And on and on and on. Peter Bourjos, with his current ability level, is statistical the worst 4th OF the Angels have had in the system the last few years
And sure, put all your hopes on those measly 15 hits he had in ST against AA and AAA pitching. But know what happens to his line if it were only 14? BA and OBP both drop 20 points, 2 hits drops 40 BA/40 OBP. That’s why ST stats aren’t taken seriously by most anyone, they are against inferior opposition and swing wildly on 1 or 2 plays
Dark star went in lol
Bourjos Freeman and now Goodwin. World Series for Trout this year!
Nice move to raise the floor a bit. He’s out of options, so has to make the 25 man roster.
Jesus Castillo gets the DFA to make room
And wow did that guy ever fall apart fast in the Angels system! Fangraphs had him as the teams #7 prospect, both mlb and Sickles had him at #12, to enter last season
Why not call up Adell?
Even if Adell weren’t hurt, he’s played 17 games at AA and 0 at AAA, so he’s not ready. But it’s moot since he’s out for 10-12 weeks with an injury.
They don’t want to start his clock plus he’s hurt.
They should have given Jarrett Parker a chance.
When he’s healthy, he likely will get a chance. Right now, the Angels have one of the two best defensive outfields in the Majors, with Bourjos, Trout and Calhoun. It’s something this pitching staff will desperately need.
call up Ardell?
please don’t say that. Ardell needs one thing above all — at bats against live pitching. he needs to play every day and not platoon on and off.
Sign Cargo instead
Don’t you mean make a trade for Cargo with Cleveland?
Should have signed Ben Revere.
I just don’t get how so many people can be down in this move.
Goodwin has a career ops+ of 99. He can play above average defense at every OF position, and he has plenty of speed.
This is as good of a waiver pick as you can get the night b4 opening day.
The Mets gave the brewers 2 prospects and a high upside young reliever for Broxton 2 month’s ago.
Broxton is the same age, has about the same experience, and has a career 91 ops+.