The Angels are "working hard to trade Gary Matthews Jr. to clear money for other pursuits," according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. With Matthews owed $23.5MM over the next two years if traded, it will be difficult for GM Tony Reagins to unload a significant portion of the contract.
Matthews, 35, hit .250/.336/.361 in 360 plate appearances for the Angels this year, playing all three outfield positions. Between the contract, Matthews' loss of power, and his questionable defense, he has strong negative value. Without the contract, what would Matthews fetch on the free agent market? Maybe one year, $1-2MM?
If the Angels hope to trade Matthews to free up money, it would make sense to pair him with a more desirable player. Kind of like what the Cubs did with Aaron Miles and Jake Fox yesterday, but on a grander scale.
