Can Recently-Signed Former All-Star Slugger Make Angels Roster Next Season?
The Los Angeles Angels and free agent Miguel Sanó reached an agreement on a minor-league contract recently for next season. The deal comes with an invitation to spring training, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPNdeportes.
Sanó didn't play last season in the MLB and only had 60 at-bats with the Minnesota Twins in 2022. But he is a veteran of the game, having played eight seasons in the big leagues.
He has spent his entire career with the Twins and has hit 162 home runs during that time. Sanó made the All-Star team in 2017 and showed major promise as a hitter in baseball early on.
Knee injuries limited him in 2022, but it was his lack of patience at the plate that caused problems. Sanó has been prone to striking out a lot over his career, and he led the league (90) during the short 2020 season.
His batting average has been another problem, as he hasn't been able to replicate his early career success. But his home run power may be why the Angels decided to take a flier on him.
In 2021, Sanó hit 30 home runs despite hitting just .223. In 2019, he hit 24 home runs.
It's certainly an intriguing move here for the team, but one that brings very little risk associated with it. If Sanó can return to his old form, it would be a massive win for the Angels.
He would provide them with another potential option at the designated hitter position and could fill in at different infield spots. Sanó has played both first and third base over his career, giving the Halos flexibility if he can make the team.
But if he continues to struggle, he isn't guaranteed anything from the Halos. This may be his last chance to show that he belongs in the big leagues, and the clock is ticking on his MLB career.
