OC Register: Angels trade Zack Cozart, prospect in cash-saving move

[AngelsWin.com]

SAN DIEGO — The Angels traded infielder Zack Cozart and 2019 first-round pick Will Wilson to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named.

The deal clears some payroll space while removing a player who had no apparent role on the 2020 roster, which could be a vital consideration as they pursue high-priced free-agent pitcher Gerrit Cole.

The Giants are taking on the entire $12.67 million of the final year of Cozart’s three-year, $38-million contract.

The deal has been a bust for the Angels, primarily because Cozart has required two surgeries on his left shoulder.

He hit .190 in 96 games over the past two seasons. General manager Billy Eppler said recently that Cozart is now fully cleared to hit and he was expected to be fully cleared in spring training.

The Angels had no role for him, with David Fletcher, Tommy La Stella and Luís Rengifo available to play second and third.

In order to get the Giants to take Cozart, the Angels had to send one of their top prospects. Wilson was ranked their No 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline.

In his first pro season last summer, the infielder hit .275 with a .768 OPS.

More to come on this story …

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