The Los Angeles Angels are bringing back two familiar faces, reliever Hunter Strickland and utility player Chris Taylor, on minor league deals. Both will head to Triple-A Salt Lake after opting out of their previous contracts post-Spring Training.
Hunter Strickland, now 37, has been a steady presence in the Angels' bullpen over the past couple of seasons. Despite being limited to just 19 appearances last year due to a shoulder injury, he maintained an impressive low-3.00s ERA.
During Spring Training, Strickland pitched five innings, allowing only one run, though his strikeout numbers were modest, fanning just two out of 19 batters faced. Notably, his fastball velocity dipped slightly to 91.8 mph from last season's average of 93.6 mph.
Chris Taylor, on the other hand, posted a .231 batting average this spring. His patience at the plate was evident, drawing 10 walks in 49 plate appearances, resulting in a solid .388 on-base percentage.
Despite these numbers, the Angels chose to go with other non-roster infielders, Adam Frazier and Jeimer Candelario, for the start of the season. Taylor returns to the Angels after finishing the 2025 season with them, having joined last May following his release from the Dodgers.
His time was cut short by a broken arm, and he struggled at the plate, hitting .179/.278/.321 with 29 strikeouts in 90 at-bats.
Both players bring veteran experience and depth to the Angels' roster, ready to make an impact from Triple-A as the season progresses.