The Angels Options to Add Power in the Infield
Entering the offseason, the Angels had a clear need to add at least one infielder.
With the news of Zach Neto’s potential absence at the start of the season, they should probably be adding at least two infielders to the major league roster.
Earlier this week, Angels GM Perry Minasian told Fansided’s Robert Murray, “power was one [area] for me that I would still like to add more of it if I can."
Today, citing a “reliable source,” AM830 host Roger Lodge said “the Angels are looking for an infielder that can hit. They’re looking for someone with pop” (h/t InsideHalos on Twitter).
Add it all up, and it’s fair to conclude that the Angels are on the prowl for an infielder who can add power to the lineup.
With Nolan Schanuel at 1B and Zach Neto at SS, when healthy, the primary avenues to add power in the infield would appear to be 2B and 3B, which is where we’ll focus.
2B Options
To start, we’ll look at second baseman (min. 300 PA) who had an above average slugging percentage (> .399 SLG) in 2024.
Brandon Lowe (.473)
Lowe is the best offensive player of the second basemen potentially available this offseason, with a career .245/.330/.482 slash line. He was average defensively at 2B (-1 DRS, 0 OAA) and, being a Tampa Bay Ray making $10.5M, could find himself on the trade market. However, Tampa is going to rightfully ask for a lot in return, as Lowe has two years of team control remaining on a bargain deal.
Ramón Urías (.423)- Trade (BAL)
With a panoply of young infielders— Gunnar Henderson Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, & Jordan Westburg— the Orioles could look to trade Urías, who has a career .262/.328/.408 slash line. 3B has been his primary defensive position the last three years, but he had suspect defensive metrics there in 2024 (-3 DRS; -10 OAA) and has fared much better in the 527.2 innings he’s played at 2B over his career (4 DRS, -2 OAA).
Brendan Rodgers (.417)
On one hand, Rodgers has never had an above average offensive season while playing his home games at Coors Field. On the other hand, he’s a former #3 overall pick who is still 28 and has spent his entire career with the development-challenged Rockies. Might a change of scenery and exposure to new hitting ideas/philosophies unlock something in a player who has been stuck in an archaic environment? Colorado is looking to cut payroll this offseason, and Rodgers has already been mentioned as a potential casualty.
Nolan Gorman (.400)
In a down year, Gorman’s slugging percentage was just a tick above league average, a sign of the immense power he possesses. Just a season prior, Gorman hit 27 HRs in only 119 games. Gorman came up as a third basemen before moving to second (as he was blocked by another Nolan… some Arenado guy) in the majors. The Cardinals are probably not eager to move him, but might they entertain a change of scenery swap for a similarly talented young player? (Looking at you, Reid Detmers)
3B Options
Applying the same criteria, this time looking at third basemen who could potentially be available.
Eugenio Suárez (.469)- Trade (ARI)
Suárez just had a $15M club option picked up by the Diamondbacks earlier this week, but with top prospect Jordan Lawlar looming in the minors, might Arizona be willing to trade Suárez and reallocate that money elsewhere? If so, Suárez would be a logical fit for the Angels thanks to his immense power (30 homers for the 5th time in the last 6 full MLB seasons). Suárez also provides solid defense (-4 DRS, 3 OAA) at what should be a lower acquisition cost, considering he only has 1 year of control remaining at a decently sized dollar amount.
Jake Burger (.460)- Trade (MIA)
The Marlins are rebuilding, which means Burger is likely available at the right price. Now, with four years remaining before he hits free agency, Miami is likely going to command a lot in return. Another factor is that Burger has performed pretty poorly defensively at 3B (-5 DRS, -5 OAA in only 59 games). Burger would address the Angels desire for power, but would come with a cost in acquisition price and on defense.
Alex Bregman (.453)- Free Agent
With contract projections ranging from $150M to $200M, Bregman is likely going to be too expensive for an Angels team that doesn’t seem inclined to strap themselves down with a 3rd large contract. But if Arte Moreno is going to spend big on anyone, history tells us that it’s going to be a hitter. Bregman brings above average offense, defense, leadership, and a history of winning*. But, in all likelihood, he isn’t a realistic option.
Alec Bohm (.448)- Trade (PHI)
Bohm’s name has come up in trade rumors after the Phillies came off an early NLDS exit. Now, Philadelphia would likely only consider a Bohm trade if a) they acquired another 3B and b) they were getting major league help in return. If Philadelphia was able to bring in another 3B (Nolan Arenado or Alex Bregman, perhaps?) then this is where the Angels could come in. Taylor Ward has two years of team control remaining, just like Bohm, and could slot into a LF position that Philadelphia has interest in upgrading. Bohm dramatically improved his defense (0 OAA, 4 DRS) to go with an above average offensive slash line (.280/.332/.448).
Jeimer Candelario (.429)- Trade (CIN)
Candelario finds himself coming off a down offensive season (.225/.279/.429) amid a sea of infielders. Cincinnatti’s infield mix includes *deep breath* Elly De La Cruz, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jonathan India, Noelvi Marte, Matt McLain, and Spencer Steer in addition to Candelario. With $29M remaining over the next two seasons, Cincinnatti likely would be very open to moving on from Candelario. The question for the Angels is whether they think Candelario can bounce back both offensively and defensively (-6 DRS, -6 OAA in 54 games). And, if so, at what price is it worth it to take him on? Could they get the Reds to attach a prospect to Candelario or might they prefer to have the Reds pay down some salary?
Paul DeJong (.427)- Free Agent
2024 was DeJong’s first year playing 3B and he had fantastic defensive metrics (1 DRS, 5 OAA) in 41 games. The rest of his defensive innings came at SS.
Donovan Solano (.417)- Free Agent
Solano is going to be 37 and only played 32 games at 3B last season, with the rest at 1B or DH.
The Best of the Rest
These players didn’t meet the criteria above but are still potential options the team could explore.
Nolan Arenado- Trade (STL)
Arenado is coming off a second straight down offensive season (106 wRC+ in 2023; 102 wRC+ in 2024), is owed $74M over the next three years, and has a full no-trade clause.
Jake Cronenworth- Trade (SD)
Cronenworth will be in the second year of a 7/$80M contract extension. He’s a slightly above average offensive player (105 wRC+ in 2024; 108 wRC+ for his career) who has been a solid defender (7 DRS, 4 OAA) at 2B the last five years. Cronenworth may be available as San Diego looks to reallocate some money throughout their roster.
Jonathan India- Trade (CIN)
India was an above average hitter (108 wRC+) and poor defender at 2B (-10 DRS; 1 OAA) in 2024.
Jeff McNeil- (NYM)
With 2/$31.5M remaining, New York is likely open to moving McNeil, but buyer beware applies here. McNeil was only a league average offensive player in 2023, followed up by a slightly below average (97 wRC+) season in 2024. If the Mets paid down some money, McNeil becomes a more attractive option as a solid defender (1 OAA, 0 DRS) who you hope can rebound offensively.
Jorge Polanco- Free Agent
Polanco underwent knee surgery in October, which partly explains his down offensive season (92 wRC+ compared to a career 109 wRC+). However, his defense leaves much to be desires at 2B (-1 DRS, -10 OAA in 2024). An intriguing idea would be shifting him to 3B, where he was perfectly fine (0 DRS, 0 OAA) in an 103 inning sample.
Gleyber Torres- Free Agent
Torres will only be 28 next season and has a reputation as a strong hitter (113 wRC+ for his career). However, the rest of his game leaves a lot to be desired. He’s a poor defender and baserunner, leaving one to wonder if he’s the type of player Ron Washington would want on his team.