Tyler Skaggs Family Settles Lawsuit, Urges MLB Action

Tyler Skaggs' family has reached a confidential settlement with the Los Angeles Angels, concluding a lengthy legal battle over the circumstances surrounding his death. The family had sought $118 million in lost earnings and damages after Skaggs died in 2019 from a fentanyl-laced pill given to him by Angels employee Eric Kay, who is currently serving a 22-year federal prison sentence.

Following more than two days of jury deliberations that indicated the family might secure a favorable verdict, the settlement was announced, allowing the Skaggs family to focus on healing. In their statement, the family expressed gratitude to the jury and emphasized the importance of holding Major League Baseball accountable for ensuring player safety, particularly regarding substance abuse.

They highlighted the trial's revelations about the dangers of opioid use and the team's alleged failure to monitor Kay's drug abuse. During the trial, testimony revealed that Skaggs' potential lost earnings could range from $21 million to nearly $125 million.

Jurors had indicated they were leaning towards awarding non-punitive damages between $70 million and $90 million and considered punitive damages of $10 million. The Angels maintained that Eric Kay acted independently and that they were unaware of his drug distribution.

However, the family's attorneys argued that the organization neglected to address Kay's known drug issues, potentially placing Skaggs in harm's way. The case has raised significant concerns about MLB's responsibilities regarding player health and safety, potentially influencing future league policies regarding substance abuse.