Angels
The Los Angeles Angels have addressed numerous contract issues since the end of last season. But they haven’t forgotten shortstop Erick Aybar.
General manager Jerry Dipoto said Friday that the team is “making progress” on an extension for Aybar, who is eligible for free agency at the end of the season.
“I’m very confident that we’ll be able to get something done,” Dipoto said. “Erick wants to be here. It’s just a matter of winding up a deal that works for both sides.
“(The negotiations) have been going on since December. It’s never been contentious. It’s always been an open discussion. It’s ongoing.”
The Angels signed Aybar’s double-play partner, Howie Kendrick, to a four-year, $33.5 million extension in January, buying out three of Kendrick’s free-agent years.
Aybar, 28, would be the best shortstop on the open market next offseason. The Angels lack a major league-ready replacement at the position.
“Over the course of the winter we’ve had a lot of additions, quite a few things on the docket,” Dipoto said. “Not to say that Erick was item of importance No. 6. But he understood there was a lot going on. He’s been great about it.”
-Ken Rosenthal
