ANGELS ADD FIVE VETERANS TO YOUNG ROSTER FOR 2025
Anaheim, CA - With only one month passed since the crowning of the 2024 World Series Champion in the Los Angeles Dodgers, much action has been taken by the Los Angeles Angels who are trying to grab as many free agents as soon as possible.
In one month the Angels have acquired five veterans to bolster the young core of players within the club.
A big surprise for all of MLB to see that the Angels have been the most active team in free agency so far, but have yet to acquire the player that will take the team to the next level. We will list the following signings below.
With the loss of two starts in Patrick Sandoval and Griffin Canning this offseason, the Halos were quick to snatch up two starters who have some high upside.
Sandoval, a left handed pitcher, has been replaced by Yusei Kikuchi, a fellow lefty, who carries a career 4.57 ERA, but had one of his better stretches with the Astros last season. Kikuchi was traded from Toronto to Houston last year and in 60 innings posted a 2.50 ERA for the Stros, while striking out 76 batters.
Arguably, Kikuchi’s best season has granted him a three year $36 million dollar contract to stay in Anaheim.
Canning was traded to the Braves in exchange for Jorge Soler, but it proved to be a salary dump for Atlanta as they released Canning and allowed him to become a free agent. He has signed a one year deal with the Mets for four million dollars, but his replacement is a native of Orange County, where the Angels had selected him in the 39th round of the 2008 MLB draft.
Kyle Kendricks makes his return to home after signing a one year 2.5 million dollar contract. Hendricks is joining the Angels after having his worst season of his career as he threw for 130 innings but holding a 5.92 ERA.
Angels fans should not be worried as this is his only season in the 5.00 ERA mark and has shown promise even though he will be entering his age 35 season. He is a pitcher that can give the Angels rotation innings and get them through the middle part of the season.
Jorge Soler, Travis d’Arnaud, and Kevin Newman are all notable additions to the team this year.
Soler will most likely slot into the DH role with a clogged outfield fo the Halos in Trout, Moniak, Adell and Ward.
Travis d’Arnaud has already made it clear to the press that he will be supporting Logan O’Hoppe in his young career looking to provide tips and advice to the young catcher.
Newman’s role is the only one that is undecided, he played a total of 111 games this year and it would be surprising to see that Newman agreed to a bench role this year. He is a utility player that can do anything in the infield for you and will provide depth for Ron Washington.
These signings are not mind blowing signings that make the media run in circles, but they do show that the Angels want to try and improve their roster by bringing support for their young guys. Each one of these additions can have a breakout year that can set them up for the future and it will be exciting to see who the Angels hit on in free agency.
