The Los Angeles Angels want to improve in almost every aspect of the game next season. After a franchise-record losing season, it shouldn’t be hard to do.
General Manager Perry Minasian emphasized that, after a challenging season with 99 defeats, the focus this off-season is on strengthening every part of the squad.
“We are open to everything, right?” said Minasian. “So we want to improve in every area – whether it’s rotation, whether it’s bullpen, whether it’s positioning of the playing group. Depth is clearly very important in this game. So there is no single area we are looking for. We want to improve the entire team.”
The first addition to the offense was a trade for design hitter Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves.
The Angels are expected to see a pay increase compared to last year, with Soler accounting for some of that increase. He will earn $13 million in both 2025 and 2026.
“Strength for me was one that I would still like to add more to if I can,” said Minasian. “Last year we were 29th in slug, so (Jorge) Soler made sense. … We could use help with the rotation, bullpen, depth, infield, outfield, everything. I’m not closing any doors.”
The second addition to the roster was officially announced on Thursday evening in the form of free-agent starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks. The two sides finalized a one-year contract worth $2.5 million on Thursday evening.
Hendricks spent his entire Major League career with the Chicago Cubs, where he posted a 97-81 record with a 3.68 ERA across 270 starts and six relief appearances in eleven seasons. He had the distinction of being the last active player from the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series roster, the team that broke their 108-year championship drought.
The team is now focused on upgrading second base, third base and center field. General manager Perry Minasian remains committed to adding pitching depth throughout the organization, a constant priority for him. While the Angels have made gradual progress, a strong offseason could accelerate the rebuilding timeline.
‘We are going to look at all options’ said Minasian. “Whatever is available. Whatever is there that can make the club better. Whoever is available from a free agency perspective, we will investigate if they are the right fit.”
Leave a Reply