The Angels avoided arbitration with lefty reliever Brock Burke on a $1.15MM deal, reports Robert Murray of FanSided. Burke had been projected at $1.2MM by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz.
Los Angeles grabbed the 28-year-old southpaw off waivers from Texas in August. Burke pitched well down the stretch, working to a 3.54 ERA while striking out more than 30% of opponents across 20 1/3 innings. It was a dramatic turnaround. Burke had allowed more than a run per inning over 13 appearances with the Rangers earlier in the year.
The terrible early-season production left Burke with a middling 5.82 earned run average on the year. He showed enough in his six weeks with the Angels to get another opportunity. Burke is arguably the top lefty in a bullpen that should also include José Quijada and potentially Rule 5 pick Garrett McDaniels. He’ll be eligible for arbitration once more next offseason.
Cheap Arte paying him less than the projection… still not as cheap as Craig Bresloom and John Hen-cheap refusing to pay Jordan Montgomery and Ohtani last offseason
Jordan Montgomery can be had cheaper this offseason than last if desired. AZ would be happy to move him after how badly 2024 went for him, with all the money left on that deal.
Ohtani is a different story. If the deferment of essentially his entire salary isn’t a clue, heading to L.A. wasn’t about the money. He wanted to win and be part of a dynasty. Too many years of frugality deeply hurt the BOS brand for top flight guys who place winning over money. Maybe, just *maybe* if the team stops ‘being in on’ top FAs and opens the checkbook, that could change several years down the line.
But remember, this one settled. That means the play and his agent came around to the ball club’s offer
Cheap Jhon Henry making excuses again… “GASoxFan” I’m onto you (if that is your real name)
Jhon if you are reading this, make a splash by signing Alonso and trading for Rendon!!
Spending > talent!!!
Fletch, I’m as critical of Henry as the next fan, and more so than most, but those two examples you cite from last season aren’t the best to use.
@GASoxFan
This was an obvious joke.