Roberto

Baldoquin

Baldoquin spent all of 2021 in the independent Atlantic League, though he did explode there for a .355/.446/.553 slash line in 473 plate appearances for the Lexington Legends. The 27-year-old former Angels prospect has never appeared in a game at the MLB level.

Baldoquin was signed out of Cuba back in 2015 for $8 million, but the 25-year-old infielder never even made it to Triple-A and posted a rough .232/.291/.301 batting line over 299 plate appearances last season at Double-A Mobile. He may struggle to get another shot in MLB-affiliated ball.

Signed by the Angels for $8 million during the offseason, Baldoquin got off to a rough start at Inland Empire before landing on the disabled list with a lat strain in late April. Since returning on June 12, the 21-year-old has gone 6-for-23 (.261) with three RBI and eight strikeouts. Overall, Baldoquin is batting .194/.242/.274 with a 30.9% strikeout rate in 17 games this season for Inland Empire.

Baldoquin has been on the disabled list at High-A Inland Empire since April 23 and he’s no closer to returning now. “For him to be out this long, I think there’s more in there (in his lat area) that we’re not finding,” Inland Empire manager Denny Hocking told the Orange County Register. “That’s what I think. I’m not around it, but I hope there’s something more because he needs to be on the field to develop his skills.” Baldoquin signed for $8 million last December after defecting from Cuba.

His solo blast came as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning, and was his only at-bat in the contest. The 21-year-old Cuban infielder was a late arrival to camp due to visa issues. He’s expected to begin the season at High-A Inland Empire after signing an $8 million deal in December.

Baldoquin’s arrival to camp has been delayed due to a visa issue, but it’s expected to be cleared up soon. The 20-year-old received an $8 million bonus from the Angels in December and is expected to work on the minor league side before beginning the year with Class A Inland Empire.

And the expectation is that he’ll be in Angels camp Friday. Baldoquin, a rangy 21-year-old infielder, signed for $8 million in December after defecting from his native Cuba. He’s likely to begin his professional career with the High-A Inland Empire 66ers.

Baldoquin’s arrival has been delayed by visa issues. The 21-year-old Cuban infielder scored an $8 million signing bonus from the Angels in December. He’s expected to begin his pro career in High-A ball.

It’s probably just an experiential thing for the 21-year-old Cuban, who signed for $8 million in November 2014. Baldoquin struggled last summer in his first taste of MLB-affiliated ball, slashing .235/.266/.294 with one home run in 309 plate appearances at High-A Inland Empire. He is obviously not close to being major league-ready.

None of the three cuts are a surprise, as the Angels just wanted to let the youngsters get their feet wet in major league camp. A Cuban defector, Baldoquin hit just .235/.266/.294 with one home run in 309 plate appearances at High-A last season.