Angels Sign Former Rays Top Prospect Pitcher

Apr 7, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Workers put finishing touches on the field as players warm up for the opening day game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Angels have had an eventful offseason as of recently.

There were, of course, the many moves that started to be made mere hours after the final pitch was thrown at the World Series, but after Thanksgiving, those moves seemed to be no longer.

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February saw a third baseman signing in Yoán Moncada — a veteran looking to get back to his productive ways — and a true closer in four-time All-Star Kenley Jansen.

The theme of this offseason has been acquiring veterans who still have a ton left in the tank, but have even more to prove.

The same goes with the latest minor league signing in Sandy Gaston.

At only 23 years old, it's hard to see the right-handed pitcher as a veteran looking for a career resurgence, but Gaston has had quite the journey in professional baseball thus far.

Cuban right-handed pitcher and free agent Sandy Gaston (23) has signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels, per sources.

Represented by Prime.

Gaston was a highly regarded prospect for the Rays, signing for $2.6 million in 2019. pic.twitter.com/G2JF9yui0i

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) February 19, 2025

Starting his pro journey in 2019, the Cuban pitcher was highly sought after and inked a $2.6 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays system.

His debut was mediocre with a 6.00 ERA through 11 appearances, but Gaston seemed to find his footing in 2021 getting his ERA down to 3.60 through 14 games.

His 70 strikeouts to 35 walks over 50 innings were more than solid enough heading into 2022.

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The next three seasons saw ERA increases of 4.61, to 7.09, to 9.00 respectively. He was released in late May of 2024.

Given that he was the No. 13 prospect for the Rays in 2022, and he is only 23 currently, there is still a lot left for Gaston.

The Angels current pitching room can provide immense help and veteran leadership if the former top prospect makes it up to the big leagues with Anaheim, but with the coaching support he will receive in the Angels' farm can very well turn his career around.

As for the pitching roster that awaits him if he makes the jump, Gaston will without a doubt benefit from Los Angeles taking a chance on him.

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