The Washington Nationals have joined the Los Angeles Angels and Toronto Blue Jays in expressing interest in free-agent infielder Gleyber Torres, according to the New York Post. Washington has explored the possibility of Torres moving to third base, a position he has only played briefly in the minors and never in the Major Leagues. The Nationals' current infield setup includes Luis García at second base and CJ Abrams at shortstop, with trade deadline acquisition José Tena penciled in as next year's third baseman and top prospect Brady House also primarily playing third base.


Torres, who turns 28 later this month, is among the youngest free agents available this offseason. Despite a down year with the New York Yankees in 2024, where he slashed .257/.330/.378, Torres showed promise after being moved to the leadoff spot in August and again during the postseason. He has a strong history of power hitting and maintains better-than-average strikeout rates. Given his age and his underwhelming 2024 performance, Torres might be open to a short-term "prove it" contract to rebuild his value and re-enter free agency in 2025.


The Nationals' interest in Torres highlights their ongoing efforts to bolster their lineup with experienced talent to complement their young core, which includes promising players like James Wood, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams. Adding a veteran like Torres could provide the offensive spark and leadership needed to help guide their young team to greater success.

Yesterday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Los Angeles Angels are close to trading an outfielder. While no deal has been finalized, talks seem to be ongoing. Although it wasn’t specified which outfielder might be on the move, Feinsand suggested that Taylor Ward could be a likely candidate, given the rumors of other clubs showing interest in him. However, Ward’s agent, Joel Wolfe, told Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register that he hadn’t heard anything about trade discussions involving his client. This doesn't necessarily mean talks aren’t happening, but it has sparked some speculation.


Members of the Atlanta beat, like David O’Brien of The Athletic and Mark Bowman of MLB.com, reported that if there is a trade involving Ward, it won’t be with Atlanta.


Ward has long seemed like a logical trade candidate. With the Angels struggling to compete in recent years, there has been natural speculation about veteran players with limited years of club control remaining. Ward, who will turn 31 this Saturday, is under team control for two more seasons via arbitration.


If the Angels were considering a rebuild, trading Ward for younger, more controllable players would make sense. However, despite losing 99 games last season, the Halos are clearly aiming to compete in 2025. Both owner Arte Moreno and general manager Perry Minasian have expressed their intent to contend this winter, evident by their acquisitions of Yusei Kikuchi, Jorge Soler, Travis d’Arnaud, Kyle Hendricks, and others.

The Los Angeles Angels have signed infielder Carter Kieboom to a minor league contract, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media. While specific details weren't disclosed, it's likely that Kieboom's contract includes an invitation to the Angels' big league spring training camp.


There's a notable twist in this move, as Kieboom finds himself reunited with Anthony Rendon in the same organization. Kieboom was once viewed as Rendon's successor at third base for the Washington Nationals. Selected 28th overall by the Nationals in the 2016 draft, Kieboom climbed the minor league ranks with impressive performances, landing on top-100 prospect lists. He made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Nationals, playing in 11 games. After Rendon signed with the Angels in the 2019-20 offseason, Kieboom seemed poised to take over third base duties in Washington.


However, Kieboom's major league career has been underwhelming so far. Over parts of four seasons, he has played 133 games and accumulated 508 plate appearances, falling short of expectations with a .199/.297/.301 batting line. His development was further hampered by missing most of the 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery. In 2023, he played in 27 games with the Nationals but spent the entire 2024 season at Triple-A after being outrighted off Washington’s 40-man roster.


For the Angels, signing Kieboom represents a low-risk opportunity to potentially unlock his once-promising talent. If Kieboom can regain his form and confidence, he could provide valuable depth and versatility to the Angels' infield. Fans will be watching his progress closely in spring training and throughout the season to see if he can finally deliver on his early potential.

Free-agent second baseman Gleyber Torres is attracting interest from several teams, including the Angels and Blue Jays, according to MLB Network.

Torres, 27, had a solid season with the Yankees, posting a .257/.330/.378 slash line (101 OPS+) with 26 doubles, 15 homers, 63 RBIs, 80 runs, and 1.8 WAR. Throughout his career, Torres has demonstrated significant power, hitting at least 24 homers in a season four times, including an impressive 38-homer campaign in 2019. While his power numbers dipped last year, he showed marked improvement as the season progressed.


In August, Torres hit .276/.363/.357, followed by an impressive .333/.387/.472 in September. His strong finish earned him the role of leadoff hitter for the Yankees during the playoffs, where he got on base multiple times in nine of the Yankees' 14 playoff games.


The Angels and Blue Jays, among other teams, are now eyeing Torres as a potential addition to bolster their rosters. Torres' blend of power, batting skill, and playoff experience makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to enhance their infield and offensive lineup.

The Angels' seven-year, $245 million contract with third baseman Anthony Rendon has not panned out as the club hoped. While Rendon had a phenomenal debut season in Anaheim during the shortened 2020 campaign, the following four seasons have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance. Rendon has managed just 205 games and 863 plate appearances over that period, with a slash line of .231/.329/.336 (89 wRC+) when he has been healthy enough to play. With two years and $77 million remaining on his contract, it might seem inevitable that the Angels will continue to try to make Rendon work as a key part of their lineup. However, comments from general manager Perry Minasian suggest the club is open to exploring other options.


"We have to be open to at least looking at that spot and seeing if there are other alternatives that make us better," Minasian said of the third base position. "Obviously, a healthy Anthony Rendon makes us a lot better. But with the last four years being the last four years, we need to take a look and kind of see what else is out there."


Rendon will enter Spring Training 2025 "competing for a roster spot," according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. Minasian mentioned that Rendon could potentially move into a part-time utility role, seeing time at first and second base in addition to third base. This scenario could come to fruition if the Angels acquire a full-time third baseman via trade or free agency, a possibility Minasian did not rule out. The Angels' internal infield options include players like Luis Rengifo, Scott Kingery, and Kevin Newman, who are all capable of handling the hot corner.

The Los Angeles Angels have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Dakota Hudson on a minor league deal, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. Hudson is expected to receive an invite to big league spring training as part of the deal.


Hudson, 30, is coming off a challenging season with the Colorado Rockies. He signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract but struggled to deliver on the field. Over 18 starts and 89 innings, Hudson posted a 6.17 ERA, with a strikeout rate of just 12.1% and a walk rate of 12.4%. Despite his typically strong ground ball rate of 52.3%, it wasn't enough to secure his spot in the Rockies' injury-riddled rotation.


In July, Hudson was designated for assignment and passed through waivers unclaimed. He was later reinstated to the roster in August but soon landed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, ending his season. He was outrighted off the roster in October and opted for free agency.


Hudson once showed promise as a rotation option for the St. Louis Cardinals. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he recorded a 3.24 ERA over 213 2/3 innings, with an 18.4% strikeout rate, an 11.1% walk rate, and a 56.9% ground ball rate. However, Tommy John surgery in 2021 derailed his progress, and he has struggled to regain his form since. In the 2022-23 seasons, Hudson's ERA rose to 4.64 over 221 innings, with his strikeout rate dropping to 12.9% and his ground ball rate slipping to 52.5%.


The Angels are hoping that Hudson can bounce back and provide valuable depth to their pitching staff. As he works to regain his pre-surgery form, Hudson's experience and potential make him an intriguing addition to the Angels' roster.

The Los Angeles Angels have re-signed outfielder Bryce Teodosio to a minor league contract, as confirmed by MLB.com's transactions tracker. Teodosio has been assigned to Triple-A Salt Lake and is expected to receive an invitation to the big league spring training.


Teodosio, who will turn 26 in June, had a brief stint with the Angels' major league roster towards the end of the 2024 season. He was called up in early September and appeared in five games, recording one single in 12 plate appearances and striking out five times. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a right middle finger fracture, which landed him on the injured list for the final weeks of the season. The Angels non-tendered him last month, allowing him to enter free agency without being exposed to waivers, but they have now quickly brought him back into the fold with this new deal.


Originally signed by the Angels as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Teodosio has steadily progressed through their minor league system. While his batting statistics have not been particularly impressive, with a .229/.312/.358 slash line over the past three years and a wRC+ of 76, Teodosio has demonstrated notable speed and defensive versatility. He stole 28 bases in 2022, 16 in 2023, and an impressive 40 bases this past year. Additionally, he has played at all three outfield positions, showcasing his defensive range. During his brief major league tenure, Statcast recorded his sprint speed in the 98th percentile.


The re-signing of Teodosio provides the Angels with depth in the outfield and a potential speed threat on the bases. His invitation to spring training will give him an opportunity to compete for a more permanent spot on the major league roster, and the team will be closely monitoring his progress.


This move highlights the Angels' continued commitment to developing and retaining promising young talent within their organization. Teodosio's combination of speed, defensive ability, and potential for growth makes him a valuable asset as the Angels look to build a competitive team for the future.

Center fielder Mickey Moniak has decided to change his jersey number to 8, from 16.

​This change signifies a new chapter for Moniak as he continues to develop his career in Major League Baseball. Fans will see him donning his new number in the upcoming season, adding a fresh touch to his on-field presence. Keep an eye on Moniak as he aims to make a significant impact with his new number.

The Los Angeles Angels have been the most aggressive team in free agency this offseason, continuing their bold approach with their first major signing, left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. The deal, officially announced on Wednesday, is a three-year, $63 million contract, making it the largest deal since Perry Minasian became the general manager in 2020.

Strengthening the Rotation
This acquisition represents a significant upgrade to the Angels' rotation, following their one-year, $2.5 million signing of right-hander Kyle Hendricks. Kikuchi immediately steps in as the ace of the staff, providing a much-needed boost after the team's disappointing 99-loss season in 2024.

Kikuchi's Recent Performance
Kikuchi, 33, is coming off one of the best stretches of his Major League career, which included a midseason trade to the Houston Astros. He began his professional career with eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball before joining the Seattle Mariners for his first three MLB seasons. He then signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the 2022 season. Between his time in Seattle and Toronto, Kikuchi posted a 4.72 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP.

Midseason Turnaround
Kikuchi saw remarkable improvement after his trade to the Astros on July 29. In 10 starts down the stretch, he recorded a 2.70 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 60 innings. One significant change was his increased reliance on his slider, which he threw 38.9% of the time by September, compared to 36.6% four-seam fastballs. This adjustment greatly enhanced the effectiveness of both pitches.

Looking Ahead
​The signing of Kikuchi demonstrates the Angels' commitment to enhancing their roster and competing in the upcoming season. As the offseason progresses, fans can look forward to seeing how these moves translate into performance on the field.

The Los Angeles Angels have continued their assertive approach this offseason, securing a three-year, $63 million deal with free-agent left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

After a challenging 2024 season, the Angels are making significant moves to strengthen their roster. Kikuchi, who showcased impressive form with a 2.70 ERA in his 10 starts for the Houston Astros last season, is a key addition to their pitching rotation. This signing is part of the Angels' broader strategy to enhance their competitiveness for the upcoming season.

​With several impactful acquisitions already made, the Angels are demonstrating their commitment to transforming their team and making a strong push in the next campaign.

The Los Angeles Angels have announced a trade involving catcher Matt Thaiss, who will be joining the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. This move comes shortly after the Angels designated Thaiss for assignment last week. To accommodate Thaiss on their roster, the Cubs have designated right-hander Trey Wingenter for assignment, as reported by Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune on X.

Thaiss, who will turn 30 in May, departs the Angels for the first time in his professional career. He was drafted by the Angels as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Initially a catcher in college, the Angels drafted him as a corner infielder, indicating their interest in his offensive potential.

Throughout his progression in the minor leagues, Thaiss demonstrated his batting capabilities, hitting .279/.363/.445 with a 117 wRC+ across multiple levels from 2016 to 2019. However, his major league performance has not matched his minor league success. In 771 big league plate appearances, Thaiss has posted a .208/.313/.342 line with an 83 wRC+.

While this level of production is suboptimal for a corner infielder, it is more acceptable for a backup catcher. The Angels, often crowded with designated hitters and corner infielders like Shohei Ohtani, Albert Pujols, Anthony Rendon, and Jared Walsh, transitioned Thaiss back to catching in 2021. Most defensive metrics rate Thaiss as below average behind the plate, which is not surprising given his years away from the position.

Despite being a serviceable backup to Logan O’Hoppe in recent seasons, the Angels decided to move forward without Thaiss. The recent signing of Travis d’Arnaud to a two-year contract made Thaiss the third catcher on the depth chart. With no remaining options, the Angels designated him for assignment, leading to the trade with the Cubs.

For the Cubs, Thaiss represents a practical addition amidst their current uncertainties behind the plate. The team released Yan Gomes in June, Tomás Nido in August, and outrighted Christian Bethancourt in November. Before acquiring Thaiss, Miguel Amaya was the sole catcher on their 40-man roster. It was reported in August that the Cubs would seek catching help this winter.

Amaya showed promise towards the end of the season but had an overall subpar year. With no remaining options and a recent top prospect status, Amaya likely secures a roster spot but still has much to prove at the major league level. In 170 MLB games, Amaya holds a .227/.300/.357 batting line with an 87 wRC+.

​The addition of Thaiss provides the Cubs with a seasoned player who can add depth and experience to their catching roster. This move offers Thaiss a fresh start and an opportunity to prove his worth in a new setting.

This offseason, the baseball world is buzzing about Roki Sasaki, but he's not the only Japanese pitcher making headlines. The 35-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano, a two-time winner of the prestigious Sawamura Award (Japan's equivalent to the Cy Young Award), is also expected to transition to Major League Baseball.

MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi has pinpointed the Los Angeles Angels as a team with potential interest in Sugano. During a recent edition of Hot Stove, Morosi shared, "I've heard there is some interest there," hinting at the Angels' pursuit of the seasoned pitcher.

Morosi further compared Sugano to Hiroki Kuroda, a fellow Japanese right-hander who made his MLB debut in his mid-30s. Kuroda enjoyed a successful seven-year career with the Dodgers and Yankees from 2008-2014, boasting a 3.45 ERA and averaging 188 innings per season.

The Angels have been notably active this offseason, seeking to bolster their roster. With a starter ERA of 4.97, ranking 28th in the league last season, the team is in dire need of reliable pitching. Sugano, who posted an impressive 1.67 ERA over 156 2/3 innings with the Yomiuri Giants in 2024, could be the answer to their pitching woes.

Sugano may not have the same high-velocity fastball as Sasaki, but his skill and experience make him a highly coveted asset. His potential move to the Angels would not only bring depth to their pitching rotation but also add a proven performer with a decorated career in Japan.

As the offseason progresses, Sugano’s destination will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow. With teams like the Angels showing interest, the MLB could soon see another talented Japanese pitcher making waves.

​Keep an eye on this developing story as the Angels and other MLB teams continue to shape their rosters for the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Angels made significant changes to their 40-man roster on Tuesday, designating outfielder Jordyn Adams and infielder Eric Wagaman for assignment. This move clears space for infielder Matthew Lugo and left-handed pitcher Jack Dashwood, protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.

Jordyn Adams, 25, was the 17th overall pick in the 2018 draft and was highly regarded for his speed and power potential. However, his progress at the plate has been limited, with a .252/.333/.377 batting line over six minor league seasons. This year, he hit .261/.333/.386 in 549 Triple-A plate appearances, a performance considered below average in the Pacific Coast League. Adams has struggled in the majors, hitting .176 with a nearly 36% strikeout rate in 28 games over the last two seasons.

Eric Wagaman had a strong season in the upper minors after being selected from the Yankees organization in the minor league Rule 5 draft. He posted a .274/.339/.469 batting line between Double-A and Triple-A, which earned him a brief stint in the majors. As a 27-year-old rookie, Wagaman managed to hit two home runs with a .250/.270/.403 slash line in 18 games, but his lack of prospect status made it difficult for him to retain his roster spot.

Matthew Lugo, 23, is a former second-round pick of the Red Sox. After being overlooked in last year’s Rule 5 Draft, Lugo had a breakout season in the minors, hitting .287/.376/.578 with 17 home runs in 79 games across Double-A and Triple-A. Acquired in the deadline trade for veteran reliever Luis García, Lugo is now part of the Angels' future plans. With his impressive performance, Lugo could make his MLB debut as soon as next year.

Jack Dashwood, who recently turned 27, was a 12th-round pick out of UC Santa Barbara in 2019. Despite spending much of this season on the minor league injured list, Dashwood showcased his potential with a 15:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 10 Double-A innings and 17 strikeouts in 10 innings during the Arizona Fall League. The Angels were concerned that another team might leapfrog him to the majors, so they secured his roster spot. He is expected to start next year in the Triple-A bullpen.

​These roster adjustments highlight the Angels' strategy to develop and protect their emerging talents while navigating the complexities of maintaining a competitive and balanced team. Fans can look forward to seeing how Lugo and Dashwood contribute to the Angels' future success.

Per a tweet from Carlos Collazo, the Angels have signed 1st round pick Nolan Schanuel.  He signed for the slotted amount of $5.2 Mil.
Schanuel was selected 11th overall out of Florida Athantic.
He hit .447 with 19 home runs this season.