Angels don't give 3B Freese qualifying offer; decline DeJesus' option
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}June 2, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman David Freese (6) hits a single in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels decided not to make a $15.8 million qualifying offer to third baseman David Freese and declined outfielder David DeJesus' $5 million contract option on Friday.
Freese has batted .258 during two seasons with the Angels, including a strong stretch run in September after returning from injury. Yet his large qualifying offer was too risky to the club, which would have lost most of its room under the $189 million luxury tax threshold if Freese accepted it.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}DeJesus performed poorly after the Angels acquired him near the trade deadline, eventually playing sparingly while Los Angeles missed the playoffs. He will receive a $1 million buyout, completing a $10.25 million contract.
The Angels say they won't be making any qualifying offers. They also declined their option on veteran outfielder David Murphy on Wednesday.