When he was just 16 years old, he received a $4.25 million contract for his potential. However, he never made it to Triple-A, let alone the major leagues, 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.
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. Atlanta general manager John Copporella was suspended for life (the suspension was lifted in January 2023).먹튀검증
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The Angels signed Maitan in December 2017 for a $2.2 million contract. At the time, he was introduced alongside Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels) on MLB’s official website, as they both signed at the same time.
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 he was expected to be.
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 having played a single major league game.