Angels Veteran Reliever Jose Quijada Opts for Free Agency
Veteran left-handed reliever Jose Quijada has decided to move on from the Los Angeles Angels and test free agency this offseason.
As noted in the official MLB transaction log, the 29-year-old southpaw is set to hit the open market after a season in which he spent most of his time in the minors. Quijada made only two big-league appearances for the Angels in 2024, striking out three and walking two without allowing an earned run.
He spent the majority of the year working his way back from Tommy John surgery, splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A. In 27 outings with Double-A Rocket City, Quijada posted a 2.73 ERA, striking out 39 while issuing just nine walks. He was even more effective in Triple-A, recording a 1.98 ERA over 13 appearances, along with 18 strikeouts and eight walks.
Nicknamed “El Q,” Quijada began his pro career with the Miami Marlins, who signed him to a minor league deal in 2013. He made his MLB debut with Miami in 2019, appearing in 34 games with a 5.76 ERA.
After being designated for assignment before the 2020 season, Quijada was picked up by the Angels. He pitched in six games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, allowing three earned runs in 3.2 innings. He became a more regular bullpen option over the next few years, showing improvement in 2021 with a 4.56 ERA and in 2022 with a career-high 40.2 innings and a 3.98 ERA, despite missing two months with an oblique strain.
In 2023, his season was derailed early by left elbow inflammation, which eventually led to Tommy John surgery. After a lengthy recovery and rehab stint in the minors throughout 2024, Quijada returned to the Angels late in the season and looked sharp, recording a 3.26 ERA across 22 appearances — arguably his most effective stint in the majors.
Now a free agent, Quijada is seeking a new opportunity to continue his big-league career and demonstrate that he still has plenty left to contribute on a major league mound.
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