Jose

Quijada

The 29-year-old southpaw made just two appearances with the Angels at the big league level in 2025, hurling 1 1/3 scoreless innings despite a 2.25 WHIP and a 3/2 K/BB ratio. He has had enough success at the big league level in the past that it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could land a one-year deal somewhere this winter.

The 29-year-old Quijada was excelling in Triple-A and pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings for the Angels since being called up late last month, but no team thought he was worth a waiver claim. He can opt for free agency, but since he’s on a one-year, $1.08 million contract, that would cost him some money.

It clears space on the 40-man and active roster for two new members of the Angels’ bullpen. Quijada could be of interest on the waiver wire, but if he goes unclaimed, he’ll likely report back to Triple-A Salt Lake.

The 29-year-old southpaw has reportedly shed 30-40 pounds since spring training as he has worked himself into better shape — adding velocity to his fastball in the process. Quijada registered a strong 2.73 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a 39/9 K/BB ratio over 26 1/3 innings at Triple-A Salt Lake. He’ll provide the Angels with another option from the left side out of the bullpen.

Quijada went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment last week. The 29-year-old lefty has made 106 relief appearances for the Angels dating back to 2020. He’s merely extra organizational relief depth at this stage of his career.

Quijada winds up losing his spot on Los Angeles’ 40-man roster to make room for several additions to the club’s Opening Day roster. The 29-year-old reliever has made 106 relief appearances for the Angels since 2020.

Quijada was effective when on the mound, but was limited to just 19 2/3 innings with 24 strikeouts, 17 walks and a 3.26 ERA. He should be a set-up reliever for the Los Angeles bullpen in 2025.

Quijada pitched just 19 2/3 innings in 2024 but posted a 3.26 ERA with 24 strikeouts. He also had 17 walks and a 1.50 WHIP and will no longer be the main left-hander in the bullpen with Brock Burke now in town. Still, it’s a value deal for the Angels, even if Quijada has no fantasy value.

He didn’t get the blown save after leaving Ryan Miller in an awful situation with the score 8-6 and the bases loaded. He did deserve one, though, for walking three and hitting a batter. He’s given up seven runs — five earned — while getting a total of four outs in his last three appearances. He’ll presumably be off limits on Sunday, which could result in a save chance for.... uhhh.... Roansy Contreras? Ryan Zeferjahn would probably be next in line, but he, like Quijada, threw 29 pitches tonight.

Quijada is back 14 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The 28-year-old had four saves in 10 appearances before getting hurt last season, but he probably won’t be much of a candidate to close this year, even if Carlos Estévez is traded as expected. He has a career ERA of 4.89 in 118 appearances.