ANAHEIM, CA – MARCH 25: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim owner Arte Moreno looks on before a preseason MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on September 21, 2017 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Angels are entering a new era after longtime owner Arte Moreno agreed to sell the franchise, paving the way for an unexpected change to the organization after years of frustration on and off the field.
The incoming owner, Stan Kroenke, already has deep ties to Los Angeles sports and there’s reason to believe he will be more aggressive about funding a contending roster.
“In a surprise development that puts an end to a tumultuous ownership tenure, longtime Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno agreed to sell the team to Stan Kroenke, who presides over the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams,” ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported. “The Angels were sold for a valuation of $4 billion, sources told ESPN’s Buster Olney, beating the previous MLB record for a sale of $3.9 billion set by the (San Diego) Padres’ new owner earlier this year.”
While the sale represents a major development for the franchise, the Angels continue to make immediate roster decisions as they attempt to navigate the remainder of the season. And the first official transaction following the momentous sale news saw a long-time MLB pitcher exercise his right to terminate his contract with the team.
Los Angeles Angels Could Lose Veteran Pitcher As First Move Of Stan Kroenke Era
At the end of last month, the Angels designated right-hander Shaun Anderson for assignment after reinstating him from the 15-day injured list, creating another uncertain chapter for a pitcher who has spent much of the season moving between the organization and its minor league system.
On Wednesday, just one day after news of the $4 billion sale agreement surfaced, Anderson elected free agency rather than accept the designation, according to the official transaction log.
The decision gives the seven-year big-league pitcher the opportunity to explore the open market after another difficult stretch with Los Angeles.
Anderson, 31, has struggled considerably in the majors since the beginning of the 2025 season. Across 31 and one-third innings during that span, all with the Angels, he has posted an ERA near 9.00 while surrendering 10 home runs.
His 2026 season has not provided much encouragement, either. Anderson posted a 7.65 ERA in the majors this year, while his work at Triple-A Salt Lake produced a 4.95 ERA over 43 and two-thirds innings.
The underlying numbers offer some reason for another club to take a look. Anderson struck out 23.6% of opposing hitters in the minors this season, but his walk and ground-ball rates remained below average.
Los Angeles Angels Lose 7-Year MLB Veteran Just 1 Day After $4 Billion Sales Agreement
Anderson’s departure might finally conclude a cycle that has played out several times this season, though he could still return to the organization’s minor league system if nobody shows interest on the free agent market.
“The Angels gave Anderson a non-roster deal with a spring training invite back in December,” AJ Eustace noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “Since then, they have designated him for assignment three times. After the first two, Anderson elected free agency in lieu of an outright assignment, then re-joined L.A. on a new minor league pact. He figures to do the same this time around, as he’s unlikely to get interest from around the league given his struggles.”
The Angels’ decision came amid a larger series of pitching-related roster moves, including the recall of left-handers Mitch Farris and Blake Weiman and the placement of right-hander George Klassen on the injured list.
With Los Angeles continuing to reshape its pitching staff and a new ownership group preparing to take control, Anderson’s latest exit represents a small roster move but it also marked a historic first as a new era dawns for the franchise.
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