The Angels' second base saga is heating up, and the team has made some key decisions as they inch closer to the start of the season. Over the weekend, they decided to send Christian Moore and Kyren Paris to Triple-A Salt Lake, narrowing down the contenders for the starting spot.
Moore, a top ten pick from 2024, was initially seen as a frontrunner. His minor league performance was promising, but his major league stint last season left much to be desired.
Struggling with a high strikeout rate and a .198/.284/.370 slash line, Moore couldn't find his rhythm in Spring Training either, hitting just .175 with a lone homer in 40 at-bats. He'll aim to refine his skills in Salt Lake and make a case for a midseason call-up.
Paris, on the other hand, was always a long shot for the starting role. Despite a surface-level strong spring showing at .333/.419/.556, his nine strikeouts in 31 plate appearances highlight ongoing contact issues. This year marks his last minor league option, so he'll need to make significant strides if he wants to stick around.
With Moore out of the picture, Adam Frazier has emerged as the favorite for the starting gig. A non-roster invitee, Frazier has impressed with a .348 average and only four strikeouts in 23 at-bats.
Known for his contact skills rather than power, Frazier's consistent performance could earn him the spot, though his struggles against left-handed pitching suggest a potential platoon role. Manager Kurt Suzuki is considering pairing him with a right-handed bat to maximize effectiveness.
The Angels have a few righty infielders in the mix for roster spots. Oswald Peraza has shown defensive prowess and a solid .351 average with two homers in Spring Training.
Vaughn Grissom, acquired in an offseason trade, is hitting .185 but has kept strikeouts to a minimum. Meanwhile, Chris Taylor and Jeimer Candelario are also in the conversation, both having minor league deals and looking to prove themselves after recent struggles in regular-season play.
To make room for Frazier, Candelario, or Taylor on the 40-man roster, the Angels might have to get creative. They have some flexibility with potential 60-day injured list candidates like Robert Stephenson and Anthony Rendon, which could free up space as the season approaches.
As the Angels continue to fine-tune their roster, the battle for second base remains a focal point, with each player eager to make their mark.