Ex-Met Jonathan Villar signs with Angels after being DFA’d by Cub
Jonathan Villar has a new home.
The former Mets infielder signed with the Angels on Saturday
Villar started 2022 with the Cubs, but struggled, slashing .222/.271/.327 before being designated for assignment.
Chicago will be on the hook for the roughly $3.4 million left on Villar’s deal, with the Angels paying the prorated league minimum for as long as they have Villar on the roster
He figures to boost an infield that’s currently ailing, with David Fletcher on the IL and Anthony Rendon out for the season
Villar was a starter for the Mets last season, slashing .249/.322/.416 with 18 home runs
He joins the eighth club of his 10-year career in Anaheim.
The Cubs designated Villar for assignment on June 24. The 10-year MLB veteran predictably balked at a demotion to the minor leagues, receiving his unconditional release on June 29
Angels' manager Phil Nevin told the media on Saturday that Villar could be in the lineup tomorrow and should expect regular time at third base
The Philadelphia Phillies originally signed Villar in 2008 as an amateur free candidate and made his debut in 2013