The Same Old Story: Angels Fall Short in the Offseason
February 26, 2026 - Written by Cruz Cambero
The Angels announced that owner Arte Moreno will not be selling the team and will continue ownership throughout the 2023 Season and beyond. pic.twitter.com/dpb3edPTv4
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 23, 2023
The Angels’ offseason was, once again, a disappointment for most fans. Supporters watched as big-name stars the team was consistently “interested” in never actually signed in Anaheim. Players like Kazuma Okamoto, Munetaka Murakami, and even Cody Bellinger were all connected to the Angels at various points, but no deal ever materialized. On the pitching side, the team also failed to land mid-tier starters such as Zac Gallen or Tyler Mahle. After shedding significant money through the restructuring of the Anthony Rendon contract, fans believed this winter would finally bring a major splash. Instead, the offseason ultimately fell short of expectations.
Trade Acquisitions
Let’s first look at the Angels’ trades this offseason.
The offseason started strong with the acquisition of Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for long-time Angel Taylor Ward. This move sparked what felt like a new beginning in Anaheim, strengthening a new wave for Angels baseball. Rodriguez is expected to play a pivotal role in the starting rotation and looks to live up to the expectations he carried in 2022 as MLB’s top pitching prospect. With only one year left of control on Ward’s contract, this could end up being one of the Angels’ best moves. Rodriguez is under team control through the 2029 offseason and is only 26 years old. Overall, this was a strong trade for the Halos, especially with the addition of pitching coach Mike Maddux to help him return to top form. I give this move a B+.
The second trade brought infielder Vaughn Grissom from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Angels prospect Isaiah Jackson, who had just been drafted in the previous draft. Like Rodriguez, Grissom was once a top prospect in the Atlanta Braves system back in 2022 and was even traded in a deal involving Chris Sale. Grissom projects as a utility player this season, but he could become an everyday player if he performs well. He also has multiple years of team control remaining. I give this move a C. It is an interesting gamble, especially after moving a young, unestablished prospect, but it could pay off if Grissom returns to the form he showed when he first debuted with Atlanta.
Next, the Angels acquired outfielder Josh Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Angels prospect Chris Clark, a right-handed pitcher who struggled over his three years in the organization as well as left-handed reliever Brock Burke. Lowe is expected to replace Ward in left field, especially after Mike Trout announced he will return to center field this year. Lowe is looking for a bounce-back season after two injury-riddled years. He has said this is the healthiest he has felt in his career and that his past oblique issues are behind him. This feels like a strong addition to the outfield. I give this trade an A. The hope is that he can stay healthy and produce consistently.
The final trade was for 27-year-old left-handed reliever Jayvien Sandridge in exchange for cash considerations. This move was primarily about depth because every bullpen needs additional arms. Sandridge made his MLB debut last year but only pitched 0.2 innings, and it did not go well. His minor league career has been inconsistent overall. I give this trade a D+. It could turn out better if Mike Maddux helps refine his mechanics, but for now, it looks like a depth addition.
Major League Signings
The lone non-pitcher major league signing was Yoán Moncada. For many fans, this felt underwhelming. While there is hope Moncada can rebound, he struggled to stay on the field last year, appearing in only about half of the team’s games. When healthy, he underperformed at the plate and committed nine errors at third base. However, the contract is just one year at 4 million dollars, so the risk is minimal. I give this signing a C+.
The only starting pitcher the Angels signed to a major league contract was Alek Manoah on a one-year, 1.95 million deal. Manoah was waived last year by the Toronto Blue Jays before being picked up by the Atlanta Braves. This is clearly a flyer. While he has struggled the last two seasons, he is only 28 years old and was an All-Star in 2022, finishing third in Cy Young voting. If he can rediscover even part of that form under the revamped coaching staff, this could be a steal. I give this deal a B, considering the low financial commitment.
Most of the Angels’ spending went toward the bullpen, signing four veteran relievers to one-year deals.
The two left-handers signed were Drew Pomeranz and Brent Suter. Pomeranz had an outstanding 2025 season, posting a 2.17 ERA in 49.2 innings. This was impressive considering it was his first MLB season since 2021. The Angels signed him for 4 million dollars, and this was my favorite move of the offseason. I give it an A+. Adding a reliable left-handed reliever with strong recent production strengthens the back end of the bullpen significantly.
Suter, previously with the Reds, posted a 4.52 ERA in 2025. However, his 1.20 WHIP, which is better than league average, suggests he was more effective than the ERA indicates. At 36 years old and without overpowering velocity, as his sinker averages around 89 miles per hour, there is some risk. Still, he provides reliability and experience. I give this signing a B.
The two right-handed relievers signed were Kirby Yates and Jordan Romano, both former closers. Yates signed for 5 million dollars, and Romano for 2 million dollars.
Yates is coming off a disappointing season with the Dodgers, posting a 5.23 ERA and a negative 0.5 WAR, largely due to back and pelvic injuries. However, just one year earlier with the Texas Rangers, he had an All-Star season with a 1.17 ERA, over 30 saves, and more than 3 WAR. A major factor in that success was pitching coach Mike Maddux, who is now with the Angels. I give this signing an A. Yates could potentially return to form and share closing duties with Ben Joyce.
Romano has struggled for two consecutive seasons, posting ERAs above 6.00. Once Toronto’s lockdown closer from 2021 to 2023 with two All-Star appearances, injuries derailed his career beginning in 2024. He later signed with the Phillies but lost the closer role and missed significant time due to injury. His declining fastball velocity and limited pitch mix, mainly a fastball and slider, are concerning. While the 2 million dollar deal carries little risk, I remain skeptical. I give this signing a C.
Notable Minor League Deals
The Angels added bullpen depth with minor league deals for Hunter Strickland, Shaun Anderson, Nick Sandlin, and Taylor Saucedo.
Strickland and Anderson both pitched for the Angels last year. Strickland was strong two seasons ago but regressed last year, making a minor league deal appropriate. Anderson also struggled, so keeping him as depth is reasonable. Sandlin is the most intriguing of the group. He has consistently been reliable, never posting an ERA above 3.75, and at 29 years old, he could push for an Opening Day roster spot. Saucedo, the only left-hander in this group, is coming off a rough 7.43 ERA season but adds needed left-handed depth. Overall, I give these bullpen minor league signings a B.
On the offensive side, the Angels signed Jeimer Candelario, Jose Siri, Trey Mancini, Chris Taylor, Nick Madrigal, and Adam Frazier to minor league deals.
Chris Taylor returns after finishing last season with the Angels following his release from the Dodgers. While injuries limited him, his versatility and veteran leadership make him a valuable bench option.
Jose Siri brings elite defense and speed. Though he struggles offensively and strikes out at a high rate, his glove and base running could make him useful if called up.
Nick Madrigal, once a top-five draft pick, will look to revive his career in a crowded infield. He could serve as a veteran presence for younger players like Christian Moore and Zach Neto.
Candelario and Mancini are both veterans looking to revive their careers. Candelario adds corner infield depth as a switch-hitter, while Mancini showed strong production in the minors last year, hitting over .300 with six home runs. There is optimism that the coaching staff can help translate that success to the majors.
My favorite offensive minor league signing is Adam Frazier. Since debuting in 2016, he has never posted a negative WAR season. He is coming off a strong campaign with the Royals, hitting .283, and offers defensive versatility across multiple positions. I give the offensive minor league signings a B, as these veterans provide depth and flexibility.
When Will It Be Enough?
It would be misleading to call this offseason a success. Angels fans continue to wait for a true impact signing rather than a series of low-risk flyers aimed at reviving careers. While there were solid bullpen additions and a few intriguing trades, the lack of a marquee acquisition leaves much to be desired.
Fans want more than affordability, as previously stated by owner Arte Moreno. They want a winning team on the field. We can only hope he sells the team soon, or else going to see the Halos will be just an affordable weekend plan to go catch a game rather than a premium World Series contender.
Disclaimer : (1) All photos are not owned by InsideHalos and have been given proper credit beneath each photo. (2) Links of players are property of MLB, MiLB, and Baseball Reference. (3) InsideHalos is a fan-made site not affiliated with Angels Baseball.
