Perhaps the most notable player to depart in the offseason due to free agency was longtime closing pitcher Francisco Rodríguez, who signed with the New York Mets.

Preston Gómez, the team's special assistant to the general manager, died January 13 of injuries sustained when he was struck by a car in Blythe, California, on March 26, 2008.

Then, on April 9, rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a car accident in Fullerton, California, hours after pitching 6 shutout innings against the Oakland Athletics in his first start of the season.

[1] Infielders Outfielders Coaches With their win on Monday, September 28, 2009, the Angels clinched their third straight American League West championship.

On October 11, the series continued to Fenway Park where the Angels had a stunning come-from-behind victory to win 7–6 and sweep the Red Sox.