An amateur free agent in 2002, Erick Aybar was a switch-hitting shortstop who would eventually become one of the most reliable fixtures in the middle of the Angels' infield.
Debuting in 2006, Aybar spent several seasons as a versatile defensive asset before securing the full-time starting role. In the 2011 campaign, he demonstrated a specialized ability to lock down the infield by recording a career-high .980 fielding percentage, which earned him his first career Gold Glove Award. Offensively, Aybar had 30 stolen bases that year, but he had better seasons ahead.
The 2014 season represented the peak of Aybar's individual recognition. That summer, he recorded 164 hits and a career-high 68 RBIs, earning his lone All-Star selection while helping lead the club to a major league-best 98 wins.
While his career OBP often hovered near .315, Aybar’s overall impact was defined by his longevity and 1,223 hits in an Angels uniform. Traded in 2015 to Atlanta, Aybar batted .271 for the Halos.
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