Angels decline options on Aaron Loup, Eduardo Escobar

The Angels continued cleaning up their roster for the winter by declining the options for left-hander Aaron Loup and infielder Eduardo Escobar, a couple of expected moves.

The Angels will pay Loup a $2 million buyout instead of his $7.5 million option. Escobar receives a $500,000 buyout instead of a $9 million option. The New York Mets included the money for Escobar’s buyout when he was traded in June.

Loup, 35, posted a 6.10 ERA in 55 games in 2023, finishing his two-year Angels career with a 4.86 ERA. He signed a two-year, $17 million deal prior to the 2022 season.

Escobar, 34, hit .219 with a .563 OPS in 59 games with the Angels.

The Angels also transferred their nine players on the 60-day injured list back to the 40-man roster, which is now at 38. Free agents Shohei Ohtani, C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk, Mike Moustakas and Gio Urshela have also been removed from the roster.