Angels interested in Eaton as coach but can't negotiate

*Photo from MLB Trade Rumors*

   The Los Angeles Angels are currently aiming to finalize their coaching staff for 2022 during the lockout. However, it's exactly because of the lockout that they can't. The Angels are interested in adding Adam Eaton to the coaching staff for 2022, but he technically remains a part of the players union because he played last year.

   Because Eaton is still a part of the players union, the Angels cannot negotiate with him to try and hire him as a coach. Last season, Eaton played in 25 regular season games for the Angels and manager Joe Maddon, before he was DFA'd and released in August. As such, they cannot finalize their coaching staff unless they decide to go in a different direction.

   The Angels had discussed a coaching position with Eaton before the lockout, but didn't get anything finalized. He has not officially retired yet, and while he is considering joining the Angels coaching staff, he still may not accept the offer. The Angels are interested in adding him to the coaching staff in large part due to the impression he made on young outfield prospects Brandon Marsh and Jo Adell.

   In an attempt to add Eaton to the coaching staff, MLB asked the players association to add him to the list of free agents covered by the lockout, but the players have so far said no. They said no because he played 83 games last season and hasn't been signed since. MLB thinks he should be added because he became a free agent under the last CBA, which expired on December 1.

   In the 10 seasons of Eaton's big league career, he has a .276 batting average and .763 OPS, hitting 66 home runs and driving in 319, playing in 914 regular season games for 4 different teams, including the 2019 champions, the Washington Nationals. In 17 playoff games, Eaton has two home runs and 10 RBI's, all with the Nats.

   So far, the Angels have added Phil Nevin, Benji Gil, and Bill Hasselman to the coaching staff after overhauling the coaches after their 6th straight season with a sub .500 record, once again failing to make the playoffs.