The Los Angeles Angels have made a surprising move, cutting ties with relief pitcher Kaleb Ort, who seemed to have a promising future in the league. But here's where it gets intriguing: despite his potential, no other team claimed him off waivers.
Ort, a 34-year-old right-hander, made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2021 and has been active in the league ever since. He spent the last two seasons with the Houston Astros, where he showcased his talent, especially in 2024. However, his performance dipped in 2025, and his overall stats with the Astros are a mixed bag. He managed a decent 4.08 ERA, but his 10.8% walk rate and 38.2% ground-ball rate are areas of concern.
What stands out is his impressive fastball velocity, averaging 96.8 mph, and a swinging-strike rate of 12.6%. His slider has been particularly effective in generating strikeouts. But here's where it gets controversial: despite his electric stuff, Ort has been prone to giving up home runs. Opponents have taken him deep 25 times in just over 122 innings in the majors, including 15 homers in his last two seasons with Houston.
Ort's situation becomes even more complex due to his minor league options. Having run out of options, the Angels had to either keep him on the 40-man roster or risk losing him to waivers. Now that he's been outrighted, Ort has the right to refuse a minor league assignment and opt for free agency instead.
This move by the Angels raises questions about their bullpen strategy and Ort's future in the league. Will he find a new home, or is this the end of the road? What do you think about the Angels' decision? Is it a missed opportunity or a necessary move?
