Key Roles the Angels Quietly Solidified This Spring
After two consecutive seasons of 90+ losses, Angels general manager Perry Minasian had a major challenge ahead of him this offseason. Not only did he need to address several roster gaps, but he had to do so while managing a payroll that had been cut by nearly $80 million from 2025.
Despite the limited resources, Minasian was able to make some quietly effective moves to fill important holes on the roster. While these signings didn’t generate major headlines, they are poised to have a significant impact on the Angels in 2026.
Second Base Secured with Adam Frazier
Last season, the Angels cycled through several second basemen, and collectively they produced a nearly zero WAR. The combination of players was ineffective, akin to picking up someone off waivers and sticking them at second base for an entire year.
Strikeouts and poor team defense were major issues, with the second base group, which included Luis Rengifo, Christian Moore, and Kyren Paris, contributing significantly to both problems. In 2025, they combined for 225 strikeouts.
Enter Adam Frazier. Signed to a minor league deal at the start of spring training, Frazier earned his way onto the roster. He’s likely a stopgap for Moore, who’s talented but not yet ready for the big leagues, and that’s perfectly fine.
Last year, Frazier posted 1.4 bWAR, struck out just 81 times in 134 games, and provided solid defense. His left-handed bat and high-contact approach are valuable additions to the lineup, and Minasian did well to solidify second base without overspending.
Jeimer Candelario and Oswald Peraza Strengthen the Bench
Though Peraza was acquired at the trade deadline, it’s worth noting his inclusion here because the deal clearly had an eye on the future. A former top-50 prospect, Peraza hasn’t fully lived up to expectations at the MLB level but came into camp strong, hitting .314/.352/.549 with a couple of home runs.
Candelario, signed to a minor league deal, also played his way onto the Opening Day roster. The right-handed corner infielder impressed with a .931 OPS in spring training. He provides depth at third base and could form a platoon with Nolan Schanuel at first base.
Bullpen Depth Strengthened This Spring
While the names may not be flashy, the quartet of Kirby Yates, Drew Pomeranz, Brent Suter, and Jordan Romano gives the Angels a veteran bullpen with closing experience. In addition, Nick Sandlin was signed to a minor league deal and could join the MLB roster early in the season.
Yates, who worked with Angels pitching coach Mike Maddux in 2024, is a calculated risk that could pay off. He posted an outstanding 1.17 ERA in 62.1 innings that year.
Pomeranz, who has reinvented himself as a reliever after a career as a starter, was solid for the Cubs last season and could be another underrated addition.
Suter is a reliable multiple-inning reliever, and Romano, once a top-tier closer, has struggled in recent years but remains a potential wild card. Sandlin will provide a solid middle-relief option once he’s back to full health.
This improved bullpen depth also gives the Angels’ young pitchers the chance to develop. Sam Bachman is healthy again and showing off his nasty sinkers, while hard-throwing Ben Joyce is expected to return to the closer’s role at some point. Meanwhile, exciting arms like Walbert Urena, Samy Natera Jr., and Joel Hurtado are on the horizon.
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