The Los Angeles Angels have reached an agreement with the Atlanta Braves on a trade for Closer Jim Johnson. While the Braves primarily save costs, the deal has another positive side effect for the Angels.
Johnson is still entitled to a base salary of $4.5 million and a $500,000 bonus under the terms of its contract running until the end of 2018. In addition, the Angels will receive the remaining Braves bonus pool shares of $1.21 million for the current signing period for international amateur players.
The Angels can therefore still spend a maximum of 1.315 million dollars until June for international amateurs. The focus is primarily on Japan’s superstar Shohei Ohtani, but the prospects declared free agents by the Braves scandal are also attractive options.
Johnson had 22 saves for Atlanta until after four months he was closed down. In total he came to 51 saves over three seasons for the Braves.
In return, the Braves will receive left-hander Justin Kelly, who in 2017 pitched five different minor league classes in the Angels’ farm system. All in all he brought it to a 3.53 ERA.
This article was published without prior view by the Major League Baseball.