The Los Angeles Angels ushered in the 2024 MLB All-Star break by making a roster move.
One week after designating infielder Miguel Sanó for assignment, the team plans to release the former All-Star after being unable to find a trade partner for the struggling slugger.
MLB Trade Rumors first pointed out the news Monday, citing the team’s MLB transaction log.
Sanó signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2009 when he was just 16 years old. That season, he garnered the highest signing bonus for a non-Cuban international free agent, $3.15 million.
Sanó made his Twins debut in June 2015, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 52 runs in 80 games to finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor.
His best professional season came in 2017, which saw the Dominican slugger make his first and only All-Star appearance. Sanó hit a career-best .264 to go along with 28 home runs, which was second on the Twins behind second baseman Brian Dozier. Unfortunately for Sanó and the Twins, his age-24 season was the highlight of his tenure instead of something to build upon.
Strikeouts and injuries would plague Sanó for the remainder of his time in Minnesota. He played over 100 games in a season just twice in the ensuing five years, and he struck out 572 times in the 384 games in which he appeared. After the 2022 season, the Twins declined Sanó’s contract option for 2023, making him a free agent.
No team was interested in the player during the 2023 season, but the Angels signed him to a minor league contract in January 2024, and he made the team out of spring training. In 28 games for the Angels, he hit .205 with a pair of home runs and struck out 36 times.
