Angels Sign 2-Time All-Star Shortstop in Surprise Free Agent Move

The Los Angeles Angels have made a surprise signing on Wednesday, adding two-time All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson to a minor league deal, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

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Former All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson signs a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels as he tries to revive his career with manager and infield guru Ron Washington.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 22, 2025

Anderson is still just 31 years old, but is looking to revitalize his career that once was so promising. He'll look to do it with the Halos.

Anderson was an All-Star just two years ago, making back-to-back appearances in 2021 and 2022 while with the Chicago White Sox. Then, his career took a sudden downturn.

In 2023, Anderson slashed .245/.286/.296 with just one home run and an OPS of .582 in 123 games. Last year, with the Miami Marlins, Anderson slashed an even worse .214/.237/.226 with zero home runs and an OPS of .463 in 65 games.

Anderson hit a career-high .335 in 2019, winning the batting title while appearing in 123 games. He then hit above .300 each of the next three seasons, making two All-Star teams, winning one Silver Slugger award, and finishing seventh in American League MVP voting in 2020.

Unfortunately, Anderson hasn't been able to get his career back on track, but he'll hope to do it with the Angels under manager Ron Washington.

The Angels had a very busy start to the offseason, but have been very quiet since. The Anderson signing marks their biggest move since before the Winter Meetings as they look to continue their strong offseason after going a franchise-worst 63-99 last season.

Anderson is a low-risk, high-reward move for a team looking for upgrades just about all over the roster in 2025. The Angels were known to be looking for an infielder, so it's possible Anderson is able to break camp with the team as an option at second base.

Anderson has mainly played shortstop in his career, appearing in 948 games at shortstop to just two at second base. While the Angels have a long-term plan at shortstop with Zach Neto, the rising star is expected to miss the beginning of the season due to offseason shoulder surgery.

So, if Anderson impresses in camp, he could find himself working at shortstop to open the year until Neto is able to return. However, he'll need to prove he can play at an above-average level before earning an Opening Day roster spot.