Left-hander Patrick Sandoval, an Opening Day starter for the Angels last season, was one of four players who became free agents by not being tendered before Friday’s deadline at 5 p.m. PT ).

Sandoval, recovering from Tommy John surgerywould have earned about $6 million in arbitration if the Angels had offered him a contract. The Angels can still negotiate with Sandoval. He is expected to return from surgery at the end of the 2025 season, so any deal he signs would likely be a two-year deal, including 2026.

The Angels also have outfielders Jordyn Adams and Bryce Teodosio and infielder Eric Wagaman. Adams and Wagaman had already been designated for a mission earlier in the week..

Sandoval, 28, showed promise at times during his six seasons with the Angels, primarily when he posted a 2.91 ERA in 27 starts in 2022. Next spring he was one of Mexico’s starters at the World Baseball Classic. His 2023 season, however, was a disappointment. He posted a 4.11 ERA in 28 starts.

Last season, he had a 5.08 ERA in 16 starts before his season was ended by Tommy John surgery.