The Angels began retooling their bullpen by signing left-hander Aaron Loup to a two-year, $17 million deal on Monday.
Loup is the first free agent pitcher to sign a multi-year deal with the Angels since reliever Joe Smith signed a three-year deal in November 2013.
Loup will make $7.5 million in 2022 and 2023. The deal includes a team option for $7.5 million in 2024, with a $2 million buyout.
Loup, 33, is coming off the best season of his career. He posted an 0.95 ERA in 56-2/3 innings in 65 games.
Loup averaged less than an inning per game, with the Mets trying to use him against left-handed hitters as much the three-batter rule allowed. Lefties hit .167 with a .440 OPS against Loup in 2022, compared with .211 and .547 by righties. Loup has held lefties to a .597 OPS for his career. Righties have a .730 OPS.
The Angels will be Loup’s sixth team. He began his career spending parts of six seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, including the years when current Angels GM Perry Minasian worked in the Toronto front office.
Loup was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018, and he pitched the past three seasons for the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays and Mets.
Including $21 million for Noah Syndergaard, the Angels have now committed $28.5 million to two new pitchers for 2022. Their budget for next season is unknown, but they are about $20 million shy of equaling their 2021 payroll.
It is likely the Angels still need to add at least one more starter and multiple relievers.
The Angels designated right-hander Hector Yan for assignment to create a spot for Loup on the 40-man roster. Yan’s status as an Angels prospect was climbing heading into 2021, but his velocity was mysteriously down in spring training. He had a 5.25 ERA at Class-A Tri-Cities last season.
