Padres Part Ways With Veteran Utility Man as Angels Quickly Add Him to Organization
Pablo Reyes didn’t spend much time on the open market.
Just six days after being released from his minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, the seven-year MLB veteran reached an agreement on a new minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old will report to Triple-A Salt Lake, where he’ll look to build on an impressive offensive campaign after spending the first half of the season with Triple-A El Paso.
Despite not earning a promotion to San Diego, Reyes was one of El Paso’s most productive hitters. He posted a .310/.408/.491 slash line while leading the club in both on-base percentage and 35 walks. His versatility also stood out, logging time at five defensive positions in addition to designated hitter.
Although power wasn’t a major part of his game, Reyes consistently reached base thanks to excellent plate discipline. He struck out just 14 percent of the time—only slightly more than his 13.6 percent walk rate—and finished with a strong 121 wRC+.
Even with those numbers, Reyes wasn’t able to secure a spot on the Padres’ 40-man roster.
San Diego originally signed Reyes to a minor league contract on Nov. 6, 2025, making him one of the organization’s earliest offseason additions. He also impressed during spring training, batting .323/.417/.419 across 19 Cactus League games.
Over seven MLB seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and New York Yankees, Reyes has yet to record an OPS+ above league average during a full campaign. Across 257 career major league games, he owns a .245/.305/.342 batting line.
The Padres likely viewed his outstanding Triple-A production as difficult to sustain at the major league level, contributing to the decision to move on.
His departure could still impact San Diego’s organizational depth. Utility infielders Will Wagner and Mason McCoy, along with catcher Blake Hunt, are the only position players on the Padres’ 40-man roster currently not in the majors, leaving the club with fewer experienced infield options if injuries arise.
For Reyes, the move to Anaheim may provide a clearer path back to the big leagues. The Angels recently designated veteran utility player Donovan Walton for assignment after activating Mike Trout, creating an opportunity for Reyes to fill a similar organizational role.
With the Angels struggling near the bottom of the American League standings, Reyes could have a stronger chance of earning another major league opportunity if he continues producing at Triple-A.
Meanwhile, San Diego wraps up its four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday at Petco Park.
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