Angels Rumors: Halos Interested in Breakout 2023 Infielder in Free Agency
The Los Angeles Angels will be looking to upgrade their roster this offseason after another poor 2023 season. They don’t know if two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will return to the organization, but they do want to field a competitive team regardless.
The Halos need more depth across the roster if they want to be competitive, namely in their pitching staff. But the team also knows that they need guys who can produce at the plate as well.
One name that has been coming up with the Angels lately is infielder Jeimer Candelario, who had a breakout year in 2023. He spent time with both the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs and now will be looking for a new home this offseason.
MLB insider Jon Heyman linked them together in one of his recent articles for The New York Post.
“Jeimer Candelario has interest from the Diamondbacks, Reds and Angels”
The Halos could use the production at the plate from Candelario, as he hit .251 with 22 home runs and 70 runs batted in last year. He has been consistent with the bat throughout his career, and he would provide some extra pop in the Angels lineup.
The team does have a few internal options within their infield, however, and that could see them shy away from Candelario. They still owe Anthony Rendon a ton of money, and he is likely to play third base this year. They also have Brandon Drury on the books for another season as well.
But one interesting solution could be for the Angels to sign Candelario, and pivot Rendon to a full-time designated hitter. Especially if Ohtani leaves, this could work out well for them. It would allow them to get both Rendon and Candelario in the lineup while trying to mitigate potential injury for the often-hurt Rendon.
This is just one route that the Angels could take, and one they may look heavily into. The team wants to end their long playoff drought next season, but for that to happen, they have a lot of work to do.
