Los Angeles Angels News

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Kaleb Ort • RP • Angels

Kaleb Ort Claimed Off Waivers by Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have claimed relief pitcher Kaleb Ort off waivers from the New York Yankees. Ort was designated for assignment by the Yankees last week. He'll now head to Los Angeles, which will be his third team since the end of the regular season. At best, Ort will likely be used as a middle reliever, assuming he makes the Halos' 40-man roster. Last season, Ort posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and a 49/27 K/BB ratio across 49 games with the Houston Astros. Ort is unlikely to have much fantasy value, even if he does make the final roster.

16 hours ago

Zach Neto • SS • Angels

Zach Neto Primed for Superstar Breakout in 2026?

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto missed time at both the start of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury and the end of the year due to a hand issue. However, in between the two ailments, the 24-year-old posted a quietly excellent season. Across 554 plate appearances, Neto logged a .257/.319/.474 slash line with 26 home runs, 62 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 26 stolen bases. Neto's barrel rate soared from 8.4% in 2024 to 14% in 2025, indicating his potential for 30-plus home run power. He's also stolen 56 bases over the past two seasons, so Neto is unquestionably a true power/speed fantasy asset. If there's one negative aspect of his profile, it could be his batting average. A career 24.6% strikeout rate limits Neto's upside in the category. Still, he makes a ton of hard contact, has plus speed, and should be locked in at the top of the Angels lineup. RotoBaller currently ranks Neto as the number six fantasy shortstop in traditional rotisserie scoring formats.

Yesterday

Osvaldo Bido • SP • Angels

Angels Claim Osvaldo Bido Off Waivers From Marlins

The Los Angeles Angels announced on Tuesday that they claimed right-hander Osvaldo Bido off waivers from the Miami Marlins. Bido has been tossed around by five different teams so far this offseason after spending the last two seasons with the Athletics, where he posted a combined 4.78 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with one save, 131 strikeouts, and 61 walks in 143 innings over 42 appearances (19 starts). The 30-year-old had an ugly 5.87 ERA and 1.61 WHIP with a weak 18.7% strikeout rate last season. If Bido makes the Angels' roster out of spring training, he'll most likely be used in a low-leverage relief role while also being an option to make spot starts in the starting rotation. He has a career 5.07 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with a 20.9% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers can avoid Bido everywhere if he's on the Halos' Opening Day roster.

Yesterday

Nick Sandlin • RP • Angels

Nick Sandlin Inks Minor-League Deal With Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have signed right-handed reliever Nick Sandlin to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Lat and elbow injuries limited him to just 16.1 innings last year, his only campaign with the Blue Jays. He posted an impressive 2.20 ERA, but he likely overperformed his expected metrics. The 29-year-old finished the year with a 4.90 xFIP, 8.82 K/9, and 4.41 BB/9. His FIP has been 4.60 or higher in each of the last three seasons, but perhaps Los Angeles can get him back on track. His repertoire is certainly encouraging, headlined by a slider that FanGraphs' Stuff+ model grades at 109.

2 days ago

Trey Mancini • 1B • Angels

Angels Sign Trey Mancini to Minor-League Deal

The Los Angeles Angels have signed veteran first baseman Trey Mancini to a minor-league contract, according to Ken Rosenthal. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but it seems likely that Mancini will be headed to spring training as a non-roster invite. The former eight-round pick hasn't played in the majors since 2023, and he spent the first half of last season with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate, slashing .308/.373/.522 with 110 wRC+ across 74 games before opting out of his contract. He's been a free agent ever since, and now, he'll presumably head to Angels camp in Arizona with a chance to compete for an Opening Day roster spot. Nolan Schanuel has first base locked down for the Halos, but he's the only first baseman on the 40-man roster. Assuming the Angels choose to carry two first basemen into the regular season, Mancini and Niko Kavadas should compete for the role.

2 days ago

Yoán Moncada • 3B • Angels

Angels Re-Sign Yoan Moncada

The Los Angeles Angels re-signed third baseman Yoan Moncada to a one-year, $4 million deal on Wednesday, sources told Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Moncada, 30, will return to the Angels for a second season despite disappointing with a .234/.336/.448 slash line in 2025 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and 39 runs scored in 84 games and 289 plate appearances. As has been the story for most of Moncada's MLB career, he missed most of the year with ankle, knee, and hand injuries. In his 10 years in the big leagues, the Cuban switch-hitter has played in over 100 games only four times. Moncada has hit 20-plus long balls just once in his career, back in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox. His last full season was in 2021, so fantasy managers certainly need to bake in missed time for Moncada's 2026 profile. Moncada should be avoided in mixed fantasy leagues.

7 days ago

Josh Lowe • RF • Angels

Angels Acquire Josh Lowe in Three-Team Trade

The Los Angeles Angels are acquiring outfielder Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in a three-team trade that also involves the Cincinnati Reds, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The Reds are sending infielder Gavin Lux and right-hander Chris Clark to the Rays, and the Angels are sending left-hander Brock Burke to the Reds. Lowe will give the Angels more outfield depth after they traded Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles this offseason for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez. Lowe, a 27-year-old left-handed hitter, has struggled with injuries the last two years with Tampa, but his power/speed upside makes him worth a late-round gamble. The former first-rounder hit 20 homers and stole 32 bases in 2023, and he combined for 21 homers and 43 steals in 214 the last two years in Tampa. In addition to durability concerns, Lowe has struggled against left-handers. A change of scenery could help Lowe, but he still has to stay healthy, and he could be limited to a strong-side platoon outfield role.

Jan 16

Miguel Castro • RP • Angels

Angels, Miguel Castro Agree to Minor-League Deal

The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a minor-league contract with veteran free-agent reliever Miguel Castro, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Castro will attend big league spring training as a non-roster invitee. The 31-year-old righty has pitched for seven MLB teams over 11 seasons. For his career, he holds a 4.24 ERA (4.73 FIP) with a 1.38 WHIP and 414 strikeouts across 466 2/3 innings. Last season with the Chicago White Sox, he pitched just six innings, allowing five earned runs with four strikeouts and five walks. Castro is not expected to make the Angels' major league roster, and even if he does, he is unlikely to be fantasy relevant in 2026.

Jan 16

Nick Madrigal • 3B • Angels

Nick Madrigal Inks Minor-League Deal with Angels

According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, the Los Angeles Angels have signed infielder Nick Madrigal to a minor-league contract that includes an invite to Spring Training. Madrigal was unable to play during the 2025 campaign after suffering a shoulder injury last February. However, the former fourth-round pick should be in the mix to compete for a role on the Opening Day roster during Spring Training. In 2024, Madrigal appeared in 51 games with the Cubs and posted a .221/.280/.256 line with three doubles and one stolen base. However, in the previous season, Madrigal posted a much higher .263 AVG with 10 stolen bases. While he is not a power hitter, Madrigal has shown high contact upside at times. He is worth monitoring in deeper 15-team formats as he could carve out a role in the Angels' infield.

Jan 10

Wade Meckler • OF • Angels

Angels Claim Wade Meckler Off Waivers

The Los Angeles Angels claimed outfielder Wade Meckler off waivers on Tuesday afternoon from the San Francisco Giants. Meckler made his MLB debut last summer with the Giants. During his brief 20-game stint in the big leagues, Meckler held a .232/.328/.250 line with just one double, no home runs, and a 25:6 K:BB. Under the hood, the former eighth-round pick generated a .265 xwOBA with a low 22.6% hard-hit rate. However, at the Triple-A level, Meckler posted a .287/.390/.370 line with 21 doubles, one home run, with 11 stolen bases across an 87-game stint. Given his production at the Triple-A level, Meckler could be in line to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster in Los Angeles.

Jan 7

Tayler Saucedo • RP • Angels

Angels Sign Tayler Saucedo to Minor-League Deal

The Los Angeles Angels signed left-handed relief pitcher Tayler Saucedo to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. The 32-year-old was let go by the Seattle Mariners after struggling with the team last season. The southpaw registered a 7.43 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, and a 12/6 K/BB ratio across 10 appearances with Seattle in 2025. Before that, Saucedo had two strong seasons as a middle reliever in Seattle. At best, Saucedo will earn himself a middle-relief role with the Halos. He's unlikely to see any save chances, which means Saucedo won't offer any real fantasy value.

Jan 5

Kirby Yates • RP • Angels

Kirby Yates Inks One-Year Deal With Angels

Free-agent right-handed reliever Kirby Yates and the Los Angeles Angels agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, pending a physical, a source told Ari Alexander. Yates will stay in L.A. after spending the 2025 campaign with the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, where he went 4-3 with a 5.23 ERA (4.76 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, three saves, 52 strikeouts, and 17 walks in 41 1/3 innings out of the bullpen during the regular season. It was a disappointing year for the 38-year-old veteran after he recorded a 1.17 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 33 saves the year prior with the Texas Rangers. Yates is no spring chicken, but he could bounce back to better results in 2026 and will be in the mix for more saves next season in an Angels bullpen that lost Kenley Jansen in free agency. Yates' primary competition for saves next season will come from the oft-injured Robert Stephenson and veteran lefty Drew Pomeranz.

Dec 30

Drew Pomeranz • RP • Angels

Drew Pomeranz Agrees to One-Year Deal With Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz. Pomeranz enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign with the Chicago Cubs, posting a 2.17 ERA, 28.1% strikeout rate, and 1.07 WHIP across 57 appearances. The 37-year-old veteran also recorded 14 holds and surrendered the lead just twice all season. For 2026, Pomeranz is expected to serve as a high-leverage lefty and offers limited fantasy value outside of leagues that count holds.

Dec 17

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Jordan Romano, Angels Agree on One-Year Deal

Right-handed reliever Jordan Romano has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Romano, 32, struggled in 2025 with the Philadelphia Phillies, posting an 8.23 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 25.1% strikeout rate, and 9.1% walk rate across 42 2/3 innings. He landed on the injured list in late August with inflammation in his right middle finger, an issue that reportedly affected his velocity throughout the season. The two-time All-Star now looks to revive his career in Southern California. With the Angels losing Kenley Jansen to free agency and no clear closer in their bullpen, Romano could quickly move up the depth chart and see save opportunities. For fantasy purposes, Romano is a high-risk, high-reward option, and as of now, it appears he will be the closer in Los Angeles.

Dec 17

Mike Trout • RF • Angels

Angels Open to Mike Trout Playing Center Field in 2026

The Los Angeles Angels may allow outfielder Mike Trout to play center field again in 2026. General manager Perry Minasian said he's keeping his options open, which includes Trout seeing time at all three outfield positions. Trout, 34, appeared in 130 games last season, his highest total since 2019. He served as the designated hitter in 106 games and played right field in just 22, reinforcing the idea that keeping him out of center field is likely the best path to preserving his health. In 2025, Trout slashed .232/.359/.439 with 26 home runs, 64 RBI, and 74 runs scored, good for a 120 wRC+. With a current ADP of 194, the future Hall of Fame slugger offers power upside without requiring a significant draft-day investment.

Dec 17

Vaughn Grissom • 2B • Angels

Angels Acquire Vaughn Grissom From Boston

The Los Angeles Angels are acquiring infielder Vaughn Grissom from the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday in exchange for outfielder Isaiah Jackson, sources told Chris Cotillo of Mass Live. The Red Sox acquired Grissom in the trade that sent left-hander Chris Sale to the Braves. The 24-year-old middle infielder was expected to eventually become Boston's primary second baseman, but that never happened. Grissom spent all of the 2025 campaign toiling at Triple-A Worcester after hitting .190/.246/.219 with no home runs in 31 games at the big-league level in 2024. He is out of minor-league options at this point. The former 11th-round pick by Atlanta in 2019 will have a chance to carve out a spot at either second or third base in Anaheim in spring training. Grissom has dabbled in left field, but most of his experience comes at the keystone.

Dec 9

Ben Gamel • RF • Angels

Braves Agree to Minor-League Deal With Ben Gamel

The Atlanta Braves agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent outfielder Ben Gamel on Friday, sources told Aram Leighton. Gamel, 33, battled more injuries in 2025 and only played in 49 games with the Triple-A affiliates for the Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers. He owns a .716 OPS in parts of nine major-league seasons with eight different teams. In 723 career games played, Gamel has a .252/.334/.382 slash line with 41 home runs, 204 RBI, 283 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases. In his 49 minor-league games this past year, Gamel had a strong .914 OPS with eight home runs. He is going to need to stay healthy in 2026 to have a shot at winning a reserve outfield role in Atlanta. Gamel will most likely begin next season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Dec 6

Alek Manoah • SP • Angels

Angels Take a Chance on Alek Manoah, Sign him to One-Year Deal

Free-agent right-hander Alek Manoah and the Los Angeles Angels agreed to a one-year, $1.95 million deal on Tuesday, a source told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 27-year-old became a free agent after he was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves following the 2025 season. He will now head back to the American League on a fully guaranteed big-league deal. Manoah worked his way back from right-elbow surgery that he had in June of 2024 and didn't pitch at all in the big leagues. In 33 1/3 innings (seven starts) at Triple-A Buffalo, Manoah had a decent 2.97 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 30 strikeouts and 18 walks. The former 11th overall pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 out of West Virginia finished third in the AL Cy Young voting in 2022 after going 16-7 with a 2.24 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 180:51 K:BB in 31 starts. Injuries and mechanical issues caused Manoah to fall off a cliff since then, but the Halos are hoping this low-risk investment will pan out and he'll contribute to a rotation that was a huge liability in 2025.

Dec 2

Anthony Rendon • 3B • Angels

Angels Could Buy Out Final Year of Anthony Rendon's Contract

The Los Angeles Angels and third baseman Anthony Rendon are in talks about buying out the final year of his contract, which could bring a resolution to the failed seven-year, $245 million deal, a source told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Rendon missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from hip surgery. If/when the Angels buy out the final year of his deal, Rendon is expected to retire. The 35-year-old veteran is owed $38 million next year. Gonzalez reports that the expectation is that Rendon will defer at least part of that money in 2026, giving the Angels more financial flexibility this offseason. At the time they signed him, the Angels made Rendon the highest-paid third baseman in December of 2019 after he had just won a World Series with the Nationals. The former first-rounder became one of the league's best third basemen in his time with the Nats, but he was a massive bust for the Angels, playing in just a quarter of the team's games over the life of his deal.

Nov 26

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Angels

Grayson Rodriguez Shipped to Angels

The Los Angeles Angels acquired right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) on Tuesday from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season due to a right-elbow injury, but he is a former top prospect with plenty of long-term upside, and the Angels are desperately hoping he can become a top-of-the-rotation starter they've been seeking for years. The 26-year-old former 11th overall pick in 2018 is under club control for four more years and is expected to be ready for spring training. In his first two big-league seasons with the O's in 2023 and 2024, Rodriguez went 20-8 with a 4.11 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 259:78 K:BB in 43 starts. Rodriguez's strikeout upside is obvious, but he also missed the end of the 2024 season with a lat injury, leaving plenty of questions about his durability. He'll be a risk/reward fantasy selection in 2026 drafts.

Nov 19

Los Angeles Angels News

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