‘5.5 billion contract at 16→Second Cabrera accolade’ 23-year-old prospect released without reaching ML

At just 16 years old, he was signed to a $4.25 million contract for his potential. However, he never made it to Triple-A, let alone the majors, and was released from Double-A.

The Los Angeles Angels released minor leaguer Kevin Maitan, 23, on Tuesday (July 20).

The Venezuelan infielder broke into the big leagues as a teenager. He was signed by Atlanta for $4.25 million in July 2016 at the age of 16.안전놀이터

However, in November 2017, illegal activities in Atlanta’s signing of international prospects came to light, and Maitan was released as a free agent. Bae Ji-hwan, who was playing for Pittsburgh, was also signed by Atlanta at the time, but became a free agent and was acquired by Pittsburgh. Then-Atlanta general manager John Copporella was suspended for life (the suspension was lifted in January 2023).

The Angels acquired Maitan in December 2017 for a $2.2 million contract. He was signed at the same time as Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels) and was featured alongside Ohtani on MLB’s official website.

At the time, Maitan was highly touted as a potential genius hitter, with comparisons to Venezuelan Miguel Cabrera. However, he never developed into the player that was expected.

After signing with the Angels, he spent 2018 in the Rookie League before reaching Single-A as a 19-year-old in 2019, where he hit .601 with 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, 39 doubles, 164 strikeouts and an OPS of .601 in 123 games. He was a threat to hit for power.

In 114 games at Double-A in 2022, he batted 2-for-6 with 11 homers, 45 RBIs, 41 walks, 140 strikeouts and a .736 OPS. This year, in 53 games at Double-A, he batted just 1-for-9 with 33 doubles (in 172 at-bats), one home run, 15 RBI, 23 walks, 67 strikeouts, and a .556 OPS. It was an even bigger step backward than last year.

Eventually, the Angels gave up hope on Maitan and decided to release him. He left the organization without ever playing a major league game.

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