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The Los Angeles Angels agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki on Friday, according to a source. Suzuki figures to split the catching workload with Max Stassi in 2021, with Anthony Bemboom also an option behind the two on the 40-man roster. Stassi is coming off left hip surgery last October, so the 37-year-old Suzuki, who won the 2004 College World Series with Cal State Fullerton, could take on a bigger role to begin the season. Suzuki played in 33 games for the Nationals in 2020, hitting .270/.349/.396 with two home runs and 17 RBI. He also hit .264/.324/.486 with a career-high 17 long balls and 63 RBI in 85 games in 2019, helping the Nationals win the World Series that season. While you shouldn't expect that much power from the former All-Star in 2014, especially in a part-time role, Suzuki can provide some decent production in two-catcher leagues.
Los Angeles Angels manager Joe Maddon thinks top outfield prospect Jo Adell "needs more time in the minor leagues, no question." Adell is possibly the best prospect the Angels have had since Mike Trout, but he struggled as a rookie in 2020 to the tune of a .161 batting average. The rookie struck out 55 times and had just seven walks in the shortened 2020 season, with his .478 OPS being the lowest among players with at least 130 plate appearances. But he's just 21 years old and finished the 2019 Triple-A season in a rut. Maddon believes that Adell was "rushed" to the big leagues and needs a full regular season to get his feet back under him. Despite his rough first taste of the big leagues, Adell remains one of the best outfield prospects in the game and should be back in the majors soon, even if he starts the 2021 season in the minors.
The Los Angeles Angels have traded for Cincinnati Reds closerRaisel Iglesias, according to a Twitter post by the Angels. Relief pitcher Noe Ramirez and a player to be named later will head to Cincinnati. Iglesias should immediately slot into the closer role for an Angels team that had five different players earn a save last season. Iglesias was eight for 10 in save chances last season and was one of the most reliable closers during his time with the Reds. The 30-year-old had at least 28 saves three straight seasons before last year and owns a solid 3.15 career ERA. The strikeout artist posted a K-rate over 30 percent in three of the last four seasons so he will help in more than just saves. Iglesias should be among the safest relievers to target in 2021 drafts.
The Texas Rangers hired Chris Young as executive vice president and general manager on Friday, and he'll work under president of baseball operations Jon Daniels, who has been the team's GM since 2005. The 6-foot-10 Young pitched 13 seasons in the majors and has been the senior vice president in charge of on-field operations and the umpires with MLB since May of 2018. Young lives in Dallas with his wife and three children. The right-hander won a career high-tying 12 games for the Rangers in 2005 but was part of a six-player trade with the Padres. He spent five years in San Diego and was an All-Star in 2007. He also pitched with the Mets, Mariners and Royals, helping KC win the World Series in 2015. Young went 79-67 with a 3.95 ERA in 271 career appearances (221 starts).
The Los Angeles Angels acquired shortstop Jose Iglesias from the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday in exchange for minor league right-handers Garrett Stallings and Jean Pinto. Iglesias is a replacement for Andrelton Simmons, who is a free agent and wasn't given a qualifying offer. David Fletcher could also play shortstop, but he is expected to take over at the keystone. Iglesias turns 31 in January and is in the second year of a two-year, $6 million deal. The veteran infielder hit .373/.400/.556 in 39 games for the O's in 2020 and missed 10 days with a quadriceps strain in August. He's a nine-year veteran and was an All-Star in 2015 with Detroit. Iglesias is a career .278 hitter with a .319 on-base percentage and one season of double-digit home runs, so fantasy managers shouldn't be counting on an offensive stud over a full season. He remains a glove-first player.