There was some speculation that the Angels might exercise the option in order to avoid having the $2 million buyout tacked onto to their 2023 payroll, but it seems that won’t be the difference in whether or not they wind up over the cut for the luxury tax. The option certainly wasn’t going to get picked up on merit. Loup had a 3.84 ERA in his first season with the Angels in 2022, but it was only that reasonable because 13 of the 38 runs he allowed were unearned. He had a 6.10 ERA in 2023.

Loup is done for the remainder of the season with a left shoulder strain.

Loup gave up four runs in his final outing of the season Tuesday, leaving him with a 6.10 ERA in 48 2/3 innings. There’s been some speculation that the Angels could pick up Loup’s $7.5 million option for next year if it would help them stay under the luxury tax this season by nullifying his $2 million buyout. Otherwise, he’ll almost certainly become a free agent after two disappointing seasons with the club.

The 35-year-old has been on the shelf with a right hamstring strain since early May. The lefty has an atrocious 7.00 ERA, 2.11 WHIP, and 8/5 K/BB ratio over 11 appearances this year for the Angels.