Left-hander Ryan Buchter has opted to become a free agent rather than accept an outright assignment to the Angels’ alternate training site, the team announced. Buchter was designated for assignment earlier this week and then outrighted off the 40-man roster once he cleared waivers.
Buchter inked a minor league deal with the Halos in February and pitched in 10 games for the club this season, posting a 4.50 ERA and eight strikeouts over six innings pitched. Uncharacteristically for the 33-year-old, control was an issue, as Buchter issued six walks over his six frames of work.
Over 214 career innings with the Braves, Padres, Royals, and A’s from 2014-19, Buchter has quietly posted some strong numbers, with a 2.86 ERA, 9.9 K/9, and 2.45 K/BB rate. Home runs (1.1 HR/9) have been an issue, and ERA predictors have been less impressed by Buchter’s output — prior to the 2020 season, Buchter had a career 4.01 FIP, 4.74 xFIP, and 4.01 SIERA.
Given Buchter’s past track record and a history of good performance against both left-handed and right-handed batters, it is understandable why he’d bet on landing another contract with a big league team, rather than biding his time at the Angels’ alternate training site.
As a baseball player?
I mean it sucks to say, but if the Halos don’t want/need you then you may want to just stick around. Jus saying…
5 straight wins says otherwise. Playing well.
It feels as if theyre losing at losing for a good draft pick now. I can tell you as a fan, existing is like checking a reeses peanut butter cup full of glass.
It will not be difficult for Buchter to sign with a new team. His track record is really good and the Cubs, Phillies or probably the Rockies can sign him. He has struggled this year, but with a new team all that can change.
Was hoping to get him when Oakland cut him loose. They must’ve known something.
Hopefully he had a bad few weeks and can continue. But with below average velocity his control needs to be much better than it was here.
Given his (really quite impressive) track record and that he wasn’t even necessarily awful for the Angels this year – he should be an obvious pickup for a contender in need of a lefty out of the pen. I realize his control’s been an issue this year – but at the same time it’s only been 6 innings so it could just be a fluke. He’s quietly been one of the better and most consistent relievers in baseball the past few seasons… and a contender willing to take a shot on him could wind up with a real gem on their hands down the stretch if he can pitch like he has the past several seasons (2.60-2.80 ERAs would help almost any team)
I was surprised this guy had to settle for a minor league contract this offseason. Mets should reach out.
Phillies should have signed him in the offseason to begin with, and definitely now
Here come the mariners to give him a shot.
I like him back on the Padres
The Padres pen seems to be back on target. They are blanking their opponents, not giving up leads. So the answer is no.
They have settled in nicely
Phillies have the need…