The Los Angeles Angels have been active this offseason in the hopes of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and they continued to add to their organization this week.
General Manager Perry Minasian has already signed All-Star pitcher Tyler Anderson, reliever Carlos Estévez and infielder Brandon Drury, and they have traded for slugging outfielder Hunter Renfroe and infielder Gio Urshela.
They have also made numerous Minor League deals to add depth to their organization. Now in their latest move, the team has signed Jake Lamb to a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
Jake Lamb signs minors deal with Angels. Invite to MLB spring training.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2022
If Lamb makes the roster, he would receive $1.25 million from the Angels, but he also has the ability to opt out of the deal if he is not in the Major Leagues, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic:
Jake Lamb’s salary with the Angels is $1.25 million if he’s on the MLB roster. He can opt out on July 1, per a source.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) December 21, 2022
The 32-year-old signed a similar deal prior to the 2022 season with the L.A. Dodgers before making his season debut on June 28. He ended up playing in 61 games for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers before his call-up to MLB, where he posted a 121 wRC+ through 77 plate appearances with the Freeway Series rivals.
The Dodgers then flipped him to the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline. Lamb is entering his 10th year in the Majors and should provide the team with quality depth.
The 2017 All-Star is a career .236/.327/.429 hitter with 94 home runs. He has played both corner infield and outfield spots.
Phil Nevin doesn’t believe potential sale is distraction
The Angels announced this past August that owner Arte Moreno is considering selling the franchise, and that process remains ongoing. During the Winter Meetings in San Diego, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said he is hopeful a sale will be finalized before Opening Day next year.
In the meantime, the Angels are trying to field a competitive team for the 2023 season. Although the sale of the team could ultimately hinder their ability to make deals and eventually compete, Angels manager Phil Nevin doesn’t see it as an issue.
“I don’t think it’s a distraction at all,” Nevin said of the team’s potential sale. “I mean, I read the same things you guys do. I’m not part of that. But, no, I don’t think it’s a distraction at all.
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