2020 Angels in review: Keynan Middleton

After a great first three years to start his career, Keynan Middleton had the worst season of his career in 2020. Although it was a shortened season and he only appeared in 13 games, he still had career-lows across the board.

He had a very interesting seven game stretch during the middle of August. He threw 6 ²⁄₃ innings and didn’t allow a single hit. You’d think with seven straight hitless outings his ERA would be zero, right? It was 4.05. His problem was walks, as he allowed four. They came back to bite him, as he allowed four runs to score, all thanks to those walks.

Hopefully 2020 was just an off-year for Middleton, because he’s been really good for the Halos through his first three years. From 2017-2019, Middleton posted a 3.23 ERA and was consistently one of the more reliable relievers out of the bullpen for the Angels. However, since his rookie year, he’s only appeared in a total of 40 games.

If the Angels can get a healthy Middleton in 2021, he’ll be a welcomed addition to an already struggling bullpen.

2020 particulars

Age: 27

Stats: 0-1, 5.25 ERA, 13 G, 12 IP, 5.02 FIP, 1.50 WHIP, 1.83 SO/BB, 88 ERA+

Salary: $800,000

Game of the year

His best outing came on August 10 against Oakland. He threw 1 ¹⁄₃ innings of scoreless ball, his longest appearance of the season. Middleton didn’t allow a hit and struck out one.

Roster status

Middleton has three years and 89 days of service time. He has one option remaining and is eligible for salary arbitration this winter.