Angels don't give 3B Freese qualifying offer; decline DeJesus' option

Published November 06, 2015

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.

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.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/angels-dont-give-3b-freese-qualifying-offer-decline-dejesus-option