The Los Angeles Angels acquired right-hander Nash Walters from the Milwaukee Brewers in a September deal that brought him out West for the first time in his big league career.
At the time of the deal, Walters was a set-up man and closer in the Minors who tossed 47.0 innings for Double-A Biloxi, posting an ERA of 4.60, a WHIP of 1.255, and an impressive 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings. In total, he struck out 66 batters in his 47 innings of work.
Being an older prospect, his status in helping out the Major League roster remains to be seen, but his performance this past year was short-lived with the Halos.
Walters, 26, made his debut with the Angels on Oct. 5, facing just three batters, allowing one hit and a walk. His Minor League numbers from last season were a mixed bag from a developing arm. In 53.2 innings, he carried a 4.70 ERA, allowing a .243 batting average with a 30.2% strikeout rate.
The Brewers drafted him in the third round of the 2015 June Amateur Draft, and after progressing from rookie ball all the way to their Triple-A affiliate with the Nashville Sounds, Walters wasn’t able to separate himself.
The Angels non-tendered him at the conclusion of the regular season, but general manager Perry Minasian re-signed him to a Minor League contract in mid-December. If nothing more than a flyer to see what he has in the tank, it’s a worthwhile addition.
Nash Walters 2022 highlight
His only appearance for the Angels came against the Oakland Athletics when he came in for a relief outing. Manager Phil Nevin went to Walters following a solid start from Shohei Ohtani, and after getting A’s infielder, Nick Allen to ground out, he surrendered a single and a walk.
Nevin pulled him from the game, and Rob Zastryzny was able to work out of the jam, keeping Walters’ box score void of any runs.
2023 outlook
Walters was brought back on a Minor League deal for the upcoming season, but shouldn’t be expected to serve as a major contributor at any level. He will likely spend much of his time with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees and if he’s needed in MLB, the Angels pitching depth would need to be severely strained, or Walters unlocked a new piece of his arsenal that made him a more intriguing prospect.
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