Angels News: LA Acquires Gio Urshela from Minnesota Twins
The Los Angeles Angels have reportedly acquired INF Gio Urshela from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Class A RHP Alejandra Hidalgo.
Urshela has been a consistent hitter over the last few seasons. In 2022, he slashed .285/.338/.429 with 13 home runs and 64 RBIs. He had a career-high 143 hits in 2022, mainly playing at third base.
In his seven-year career, Urshela is a .275 hitter. He has 62 home runs and 256 RBIs, and an OPS of .750. He's spent time at first base, second base, third base and shortstop, and had four defensive runs saved above average at third in 2022.
The Angels were looking for a shortstop, so there is a chance they move Urshela to that spot. With third baseman Anthony Rendon on the roster, and Shohei Ohtani playing in the DH spot, that would seem to make the most sense. He could also spend some time at second base or first base.
Urshela also has a familiarity with the Angels' coaches. From 2019-2021, he played with the Yankees, where Angels manager Phil Nevin and hitting coach Marcus Thames were on the staff.
As for the player the Angels traded, Hidalgo had a 4.62 ERA across 39 innings at Single-A. He's just 19-years-old, and will now have a chance to grow in the Twins' minor league system.
GM Perry Minasian and the Angels are clearly not messing around this offseason. They want to win now, and they're making the moves to do so.
