A Controversial Move by the Angels?
The Angels' recent decision regarding right-handed reliever Kaleb Ort has sparked some interesting discussions. Let's dive into the details and uncover the story behind this move.
Kaleb Ort, a 34-year-old veteran, has had an intriguing journey in the MLB. After making his debut with the Red Sox in 2021, he has consistently featured in the big leagues for the past five seasons. However, his recent stint with the Astros has been a bit of a rollercoaster.
Ort's performance in 2024 was impressive, but he struggled to maintain that form in 2025. Despite this, his overall numbers with Houston are quite respectable, showcasing a solid strikeout rate and an impressive ability to induce ground balls. His four-seamer, clocking in at an average of 96.8 mph, has been a weapon, generating a high swinging-strike rate.
But here's where it gets controversial: Ort's tendency to surrender home runs has been a cause for concern. In his relatively limited major league career, opponents have taken advantage of his homer-prone nature, hitting 25 home runs off him in just over 120 innings. This issue has persisted, with 15 dingers in the past two seasons alone.
The Angels, recognizing Ort's potential as a depth option, have assigned him outright to their Triple-A affiliate, Salt Lake. This move is significant because it's the first time Ort has been outrighted, and with less than three years of major league service, he remains under the Angels' control.
And this is the part most people miss: Ort's lack of minor league options likely played a role in him going unclaimed on waivers. If the Angels decide to bring him back to the 40-man roster, they'll need to keep him in the majors or risk losing him again. At that point, Ort could exercise his right to reject an outright assignment to the minors and opt for free agency.
So, what do you think? Is this a smart move by the Angels to retain depth, or are they taking a risk with Ort's homer-prone tendencies? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments! We'd love to hear your take on this intriguing baseball story.
