David Fletcher was expected to be a key part of the Los Angeles Angels future. A contact oriented middle infielder with an excellent glove and an ability to take a walk, he had signed a five year extension worth $26 million with team options for 2026 and 2027.
That contract ended up being a mistake in retrospect. Fletcher had been placed on waivers and ended up being unclaimed. Angels beat writer Jeff Fletcher reported that the infielder has been outrighted to Triple-A, removing him from the 40 man roster.
David Fletcher could still play role for Los Angeles Angels
The contract made sense at the time. Fletcher had a solid start to his major league career, posting a .229/.343/.386 batting line over his first 1190 plate appearances. He began to struggle in 2021, posting a .260/.295/.327 batting line in his 893 plate appearances through the end of 2022. Fletcher lost playing time, becoming a somewhat expensive backup infielder.
The bottom fell out this year. Fletcher had just two hits in his 16 plate appearances, striking out three times. His usually solid defense had taken a hit as well as he is considered to have cost the Angels a run at short. Now, the Angels are hoping that Zack Neto is ready and can handle the position.
It is possible that Fletcher will return. He could turn his season around in Salt Lake and start hitting once again. Fletcher still has value for his ability to make contact and his defense – if he can return to form, he can have value once again. The problem is, no one is certain if that will happen. He could remain in Triple-A limbo until his extension runs out.
The Los Angeles Angels have sent David Fletcher to Triple-A. That long term extension has been yet another mistake by the front office.
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