In a surprising move that has left many baseball fans scratching their heads, the Los Angeles Angels have released reliever Cody Laweryson, raising questions about the team’s strategy and Laweryson’s future in the league. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his solid minor league numbers and a respectable debut with the Twins, Laweryson found himself without a team just months after being claimed off waivers. Let’s break it down.
Earlier this week, the Angels officially parted ways with Laweryson, a 6’4” right-handed pitcher who had been designated for assignment to make room for the returning Yoán Moncada. Laweryson, a former 14th-round pick, had shown promise during his rookie season with the Minnesota Twins, appearing in five games and posting a 3.52 ERA (one earned run) over 7 2/3 innings. He also impressed in Triple-A, where he recorded a 2.86 ERA and struck out 25% of batters faced. Over his minor league career, he’s maintained a reliable 3.39 ERA with a 27% strikeout rate—stats that, on paper, suggest a player worth holding onto.
And this is the part most people miss: Laweryson was let go by the Twins, a team notorious for one of the weakest bullpens in the MLB. While his 93.2 mph fastball isn’t overpowering and his secondary pitches—an 85-86 mph cutter and a low-80s changeup—lack elite velocity, his ability to limit walks and generate strikeouts seemed like a valuable asset for a struggling bullpen. At 27 (turning 28 in May), he’s still in his prime years, making the Angels’ decision to release him instead of assigning him to Triple-A even more puzzling.
Speculation is swirling about the reasoning behind this move. Could there be an undisclosed injury? Injured players can’t be outrighted, and Laweryson did deal with a forearm strain in the minors last season, though he finished the year healthy. If that’s the case, the Angels might aim to re-sign him to a minor league deal. Otherwise, Laweryson is now a free agent, free to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Here’s the bold question: Did the Angels make a mistake by letting Laweryson go, or is there more to this decision than meets the eye? His lack of high-velocity stuff might limit his upside, but his control and strikeout ability could still make him a useful piece for a team in need. What do you think? Is Laweryson a hidden gem, or is this the right call? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
