Angels Lose Infielder On Waivers to AL East Team
Unlike the most high-profile Angels prospects, Livan Soto took his time getting to the major leagues. Part of the infamous Atlanta Braves international amateur class of the 2015-16 signing period, Soto appeared in 22 games for the Angels over the last two seasons, hit .375 with one home run, and saw time at three different positions.
Saturday, he was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for reliever Jose Cisnero. Thursday, he was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles, as first reported by Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extrabase:
Soto, 23, was among a handful of middle infielders with a chance to back up Zach Neto at shortstop or even challenge for starts at second base in spring training.
After appearing in parts of five minor league seasons (2017-22), Soto debuted last year with the Angels and hit a surprising .400 (22 for 55) with one home run and nine RBIs in 18 games.
Between 110 games at Double-A Rocket City and Triple-A Salt Lake in 2023, Soto slashed .237/.342/.358. He also went 2 for 9 in two singles in four major league games.
Known primarily for his glove, Soto was among nine amateur players from Latin America the Braves signed under former general manager John Coppolella for at least $300,000 each. Later, Major League Baseball determined the Braves illegally attempted to circumvent the league's restrictions in its bonus payouts to the prospects.
Coppolella was banned (then later reinstated). Soto was declared a free agent and signed with the Angels. He patiently worked his way up the system over the next five years.
Now, Soto's chance to establish himself as a major league regular will come in Baltimore.
Soto throws right-handed and bats left-handed; Orioles general manager Mike Elias had been looking for a left-handed hitting infielder who can play second base.
