Angels opt out of Teixeira sweepstakes; Sox still mum

The field vying for free agent Mark Teixeira thinned yesterday when the Los Angeles Angels - the team for which Teixeira last played - ended their courting of the first baseman, team spokesman Tim Mead confirmed last night.

"We have indeed withdrawn our offer and ceased negotiations," Mead said in an e-mail.

Red Sox officials remained mum yesterday, leaving their official stance on Teixeira unchanged since owner John Henry declared, "It seems clear that we are not going to be a factor," in an e-mail late Thursday night. Sources around the league involved in Teixeira's pursuit believe the Red Sox are still a strong contender for the switch-hitting slugger and that Henry's e-mail was merely a negotiating ploy.

The Angles had offered Teixeira a contract for eight seasons, widely reported to be worth $160 million.

The Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, and New York Yankees are the other clubs vying for Teixeira, the offseason's most coveted free agent. The Red Sox met with Teixeira and his agent, Scott Boras, Thursday night in Texas, where Teixeira owns a home, but negotiations halted after Boras informed the Red Sox he had other, better offers and Henry walked away.

Teixeira is now weighing four East Coast teams - two of the most powerful, deep-pocketed franchises in sports and two of the clubs most associated with losing in baseball. The Orioles and Nationals remain possibilities because of local ties - Teixeira grew up in Severna Park, Md.

Teixeira has stated he wants his future destination known by Christmas Day.

Adam Kilgore can be reached at akilgore@globe.com