The Los Angeles Angels are sticking to a familiar script this offseason - taking calculated swings on veterans with flashes of past brilliance, especially on the mound. So far, that approach has brought in arms like Kirby Yates, Alek Manoah, Drew Pomeranz, and Jordan Romano. Now, they’re turning their attention to the infield.
On Monday, the Angels added another name to the mix, signing veteran third baseman Jeimer Candelario to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. If he makes the big-league roster, he’ll earn $780,000, per reporting from Jon Heyman.
Why Candelario Fits the Angels’ Approach
The Angels are navigating a bit of a transition on the infield, particularly at the corners. Longtime utility man Luis Rengifo is now a free agent, and while nothing’s official, signs point to him not returning. That situation became even murkier when the team re-signed third baseman Yoan Moncada over the weekend - a move that likely signals the end of Rengifo’s time in Anaheim.
Enter Candelario, a player who brings both experience and upside to a roster that could use a little of both. Since breaking into the majors with the Cubs in 2016, Candelario has put together a .237/.315/.411 slash line - numbers that don’t leap off the page but tell the story of a player who’s been a steady contributor at times.
His most productive stretch came during his six-year run with the Detroit Tigers, where he hit 65 of his 110 career home runs. His 2021 season, in particular, turned heads - not for the long ball, but for his gap-to-gap power. That year, he led all of Major League Baseball with 42 doubles, showing off a swing that can still do damage when he’s locked in.
A Low-Risk, Potentially High-Reward Move
For the Angels, this is a classic depth signing - low risk, with the potential for solid reward. Candelario doesn’t need to be a star.
He just needs to be ready if injuries or inconsistency hit the infield. And given the volatility that’s come with the Angels’ roster in recent years, having a player like Candelario stashed and ready could end up being a smart insurance policy.
He’s the kind of veteran presence who’s seen enough big-league pitching to step in and hold his own, and he adds another layer of flexibility as the Angels continue to retool. Whether he makes the Opening Day roster or not, this move fits the broader theme of the Angels’ offseason: adding experienced, motivated players who’ve shown they can contribute when healthy and given the chance.
For a team looking to stay competitive while managing roster turnover, Jeimer Candelario might be exactly the kind of quiet addition that pays off down the stretch.