Los Angeles Angels News

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Robert Stephenson • RP • Angels |

Ben Joyce • RP • Angels

Ben Joyce, Robert Stephenson Both Start Throwing Bullpens

Los Angeles Angels relief pitchers Ben Joyce (shoulder) and Robert Stephenson (elbow) each threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Prior to Tuesday's session, neither pitcher had thrown off the mound this spring. Joyce is working his way back from a torn labrum, which required surgery in May 2025. During his last healthy season in 2024, he posted a 2.08 ERA with 8.57 K/9, 3.63 BB/9, and 0.26 HR/9. The right-hander is capable of hitting 102 mph with his fastball, offering the Angels an effective leverage arm out of the bullpen. Stephenson's injury luck has been even worse. He missed all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, and shortly after his return in May 2025, he was shut down again with a stretched nerve in his biceps. He returned for 10 outings in the fall before being placed back on the injured list with elbow inflammation. He logged just 10 innings last year, posting a 2.70 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9. These numbers fall a bit lower than his career averages, and it remains to be seen how much his effectiveness has changed amid all of his injury problems.

Yesterday

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Angels

Grayson Rodriguez is Aiming to Make 30 Starts

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez is aiming to make 30 starts in 2026 despite missing all of last season due to injury. Rodriguez didn't pitch in 2025 after having bone spurs removed from his right elbow. The right-hander says that he has already noticed a significant difference. Having a healthy Rodriguez could be a huge boost to the Halos' rotation this season. The 26-year-old was acquired in a trade that sent outfielder Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles earlier in the offseason. The former first-rounder has been a viable option when healthy, but keeping him on the mound has been the problem. In 2024, Rodriguez posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 130/36 K/BB ratio across 20 starts with the O's. The potential is still there for Rodriguez to be a top-of-the-line starter, so hopefully he can stay healthy and prove it in 2026.

4 days ago

Hunter Strickland • RP • Angels

Hunter Strickland Throws a Bullpen on Wednesday

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Hunter Strickland (shoulder) threw a bullpen session at spring training on Wednesday, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Strickland was shut down for the rest of the season in early July of last year due to a right-shoulder strain, but the veteran reliever appears to be healthy going into the 2026 campaign. Even though Kenley Jansen is no longer in town, the 37-year-old veteran is not a lock to win an Opening Day bullpen job with the Halos out of camp. Before his shoulder injury last year, Strickland held a 3.27 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, one save, 14 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 22 innings out of the bullpen. If Strickland pitches well this spring and begins the season with the Angels, he'll only be worth a look in deeper fantasy leagues that reward points for holds.

7 days ago

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Angels

Grayson Rodriguez Must Prove his Health to Earn Rotation Spot

Los Angeles Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said that right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) will have to prove he's healthy to earn an Opening Day starting rotation spot, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. The same is true for right-hander Alek Manoah, while Suzuki named lefties Yusei Kikuchi and Reid Detmers, and right-hander Jose Soriano as locks for the rotation. Rodriguez was acquired by the Angels from the Baltimore Orioles back in November, but after missing all of last year with elbow and lat injuries, the Halos want to make sure he's fully healthy before committing to him as a starter. The 26-year-old former first-rounder was one of the top prospects in baseball in the O's system before he made his big-league debut in 2023, though, so he could bounce back nicely if he can stay on the mound. Rodriguez showed high-end potential in 2024, when he had a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 26.5% strikeout rate.

Feb 10

Ben Joyce • RP • Angels

Ben Joyce Playing Catch, Uncertain for Opening Day

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Ben Joyce (shoulder) is playing catch at spring training, but manager Kurt Suzuki said it's too early to tell if Joyce will be ready for Opening Day, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. The Angels are taking it day by day with Joyce for now. The hard-throwing 25-year-old missed most of last season after having surgery to fix the labrum in his right shoulder. He appeared in only five games, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out one in 4 1/3 innings. There are plenty of question marks for the back end of the Angels' bullpen going into the 2026 season with Kenley Jansen no longer around. Right now, Robert Stephenson, Drew Pomeranz, and Kirby Yates are set to work in a closer committee, but Joyce will be involved as well, depending on his health.

Feb 10

Hunter Strickland • RP • Angels

Hunter Strickland Re-Signs With Angels on Minors Deal

Free-agent right-handed reliever Hunter Strickland (shoulder) re-signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Strickland only appeared in 19 games for the Halos in 2025 and missed the entire second half with a right-shoulder strain. Before his injury, the 37-year-old veteran was decent with a 3.27 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, one save, 14 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 22 innings out of the bullpen. Going into his 12th MLB season, and third straight in Anaheim, Strickland won't really be on the fantasy radar as an aging reliever who will most likely occupy a middle-relief role. It's unclear if Strickland will be ready for the start of spring training. In the last two years with the Angels, Strickland has a weak 18.4% strikeout rate and 8.8% walk rate in his 95 1/3 innings pitched.

Feb 9

Zach Neto • SS • Angels

Red Sox Have Tried to Acquire Zach Neto

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly tried to trade for Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto, but the Angels have set a very high bar for him. The Red Sox were unable to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency, but they have traded for first baseman Willson Contreras and third baseman Caleb Durbin to boost their infield depth this offseason. Neto would be a clear upgrade over the injury-prone and aging Trevor Story, but Boston would likely have to part with several high-end prospects to land him. As things currently stand, Durbin and Marcelo Mayer figure to compete for playing time at third base, with Story at the 6 and Kristian Campbell manning the keystone. Neto has emerged as one of the best young shortstops in the game after hitting a combined .253/.318/.458 with a .776 OPS, 49 home runs, 139 RBI, 152 runs scored, and 56 stolen bases in the last two seasons.

Feb 9

George Klassen • SP • Angels

George Klassen Will Attend Big-League Spring Training

Los Angeles Angels right-handed starting pitcher George Klassen will attend big-league spring training. The right-hander enters the 2026 campaign sitting as the team's No. 3-ranked prospect on MLB.com. Klassen was a sixth-round selection by the Phillies back in the 2023 MLB Draft and is now steps away from making the MLB Opening Day roster. In 2025, the Minnesota product spent most of his season at Double-A, where he logged 102 2/3 innings to the tune of a 5.33 ERA with a 1.48 WHIP. During this stint, he struck out 126 hitters while allowing 46 walks. However, over his last four outings at Double-A, he posted an elite 1.17 ERA, which earned him a one-game taste of Triple-A. If Klassen continues to perform well in camp, he could be in the mix to join the Angels early in the first half.

Feb 9

Jo Adell • CF • Angels

Can Jo Adell Repeat 2025 Power Breakout?

A former top prospect, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell finally had his long-awaited breakout season in 2025. Across 573 plate appearances, the 26-year-old posted a .236/.293/.485 slash line with 37 home runs, 98 RBI, 63 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Adell logged an elite 17.2% barrel rate, the best of his career by nearly six percentage points. Heading into 2026, Adell looks to have an everyday role in the middle of the Angels lineup. However, there are some warning signs in his profile. With a 5.8% walk rate and 26.4% strikeout rate, Adell's plate skills remain questionable and could lead to both a poor batting average and a drop in the batting order. Additionally, Adell has largely graded out as a well below-average defensive outfielder throughout his career, which could lead to a drop in playing time if he has any struggles with the bat. Still, Adell's power is real, and the Angels are not exactly swimming in outfield talent behind him. As a mid-round power bat, Adell could be a quality outfield option for fantasy managers once again in 2026.

Feb 7

Brent Suter • RP • Angels

Angels Sign Brent Suter to One-Year Deal

The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that they signed free-agent left-hander Brent Suter to a one-year, $1.25 million deal, according to Taylor Blake Ward of Baseball America. Suter spent the last two seasons pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, where he had a 3.85 ERA (4.44 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, two saves, 103 strikeouts, and 30 walks in 133 1/3 innings over 95 appearances (six starts). He had a 4.52 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 53:18 K:BB in 67 2/3 innings last year. Suter brings plenty of experience -- he's heading into his 11th season in the big leagues in 2026 -- but he can be ignored for fantasy purposes as a middle-relief arm with virtually no strikeout upside. In his 10 big-league campaigns, Suter only has a 19.9% strikeout rate in 597 1/3 total innings.

Feb 6

George Klassen • SP • Angels

George Klassen a Name to Monitor in Los Angeles System

Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitching prospect George Klassen is a name to monitor during spring training. Klassen is currently considered the No. 3-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. In 2025, the right-hander spent the majority of the year in Double-A Rocket City before earning a brief six-inning stint at Triple-A Salt Lake. Across 102 2/3 innings at Double-A, the former sixth-round selection from the 2023 MLB Draft posted a hefty 5.35 with a 1.48 WHIP. However, over his last 23 innings at Double-A before earning the promotion, Klassen posted a dominant 1.17 ERA with 32 punchouts. At Triple-A, Klassen totaled eight strikeouts across this brief stint, while allowing two runs with one free pass. Given Los Angeles's weak pitching depth, Klassen could be in strong consideration for a promotion early in the season.

Feb 4

Jeimer Candelario • 3B • Angels

Jeimer Candelario Signs Minor-League Deal With Angels

Free-agent infielder Jeimer Candelario has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a minor-league contract that includes an invite to spring training. Candelario started his career with the Tigers and spent time with the Nationals and Cubs before signing a three-year deal with the Reds before the 2024 season. He was released in late June last year after knee, toe, and back issues limited him to just 22 games. He spent the rest of the season in Triple-A for the Yankees, where he slashed just .203/.289/.357. He joins a crowded list of reclamation projects trying to earn playing time for the Angels. He could earn his way onto the Opening Day roster or get called up at some point this season if he can prove that his bat still has a little pop after his last several injuries. He's well off the fantasy radar for now, but it's good to know where he landed and keep an eye on his progress this spring.

Feb 3

Jose Siri • CF • Angels

Jose Siri Signs Minor-League Deal With Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have signed outfielder Jose Siri to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training. Siri is looking to bounce back in 2026 after being limited to 16 games last season due to a fractured tibia. The Angels will give Siri a chance in camp, and he'll earn $1.6 million if he's able to make the team. Siri posted back-to-back productive seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays before his injury-riddled 2025 season. His mix of power and speed could make him an interesting late-round fantasy option, assuming he makes the 26-man roster.

Feb 1

Jayvien Sandridge • RP • Angels

Angels Acquire Jayvien Sandridge From Yankees

The Los Angeles Angels have acquired left-handed reliever Jayvien Sandridge from the New York Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Osvaldo Bido was designated for assignment to make space on the Halos' 40-man roster. Sandridge, who was recently DFA'd by New York, made his MLB debut last season but finished his lone appearance with two earned runs over 0.2 innings of work. He fared much better at Triple-A, where he posted a 3.65 FIP, 13.36 K/9, and 4.83 BB/9 across 31.2 frames. Originally drafted by the Orioles in the 32nd round of the 2018 draft, the 26-year-old is now headed to his fifth organization. He has two options remaining, so even if he doesn't make the Angels' bullpen out of spring training, he can offer depth on the 40-man roster.

Jan 29

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.

Jan 29

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.

Jan 28

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.

Jan 27

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.

Jan 26

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.

Jan 26

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.

Jan 22

Los Angeles Angels News

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