Former Angel Hudler Switches Leagues, Signs with Phillies

Rex Hudler, whose enthusiastic style made him a favorite with Angel fans, signed a two-year, $2.3-million contract Thursday with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Hudler, a 36-year-old utility player, hit a career-high .311 last season, with career bests in home runs, 16, and runs batted in, 40.

But those numbers, his personality and ability to play any infield or outfield position, made him too hot a commodity for the Angels to keep.

The Phillies outbid the Cleveland Indians, who Hudler said offered a two-year, $2-million contract. The deal with Philadelphia includes a $300,000 signing bonus and the Phillies also have an option for a third season or a $300,000 buyout. The Angels’ last contract offer was $500,000 per year, according to Hudler.

Bill Bavasi, Angel general manager, said the Angels never got a chance to make a counter-offer, but that it most likely wouldn’t have mattered.

“In the end, what we would have offered and what he left for, there was quite a bit of difference,” Bavasi said.