The Los Angeles Angels are still building out their infield for the 2026 season, and the Angels made yet another budget signing with that in mind, adding former Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal to the mix.
Madrigal was originally drafted by the White Sox back in 2018, and his career got off to a strong start. He’s a contact hitter who can get on base, according to Vincent Page of Halo Hangout, and he hit .317 over the first two seasons of his career, although he was limited to just 83 games.
In 2022, his batting average dropped to .249, but Madrigal has also struggled with injuries, and he missed last season entirely due to a serious injury to is left shoulder. He’ll fit right in with the Angels in that regard, as they’ve been signing a variety of players coming off a wide variety of injuries.
Madrigal signed a minor league deal, so he’ll be among many infielders getting a long look in spring training. He won’t supply much power, but Madrigal has been very difficult to strike out, and if he makes the club that will end up being a major strength for a team that struggled with strikeouts last year. He’s not a power hitter, but the Angels have plenty of players who can hit home runs, including outfielder Jo Adell, DH Mike Trout and shortstop Zach Neto.
Defensively, Madrigal will compete for a spot at second base, with is arm strength mostly limiting him to that positions. Second base for the Halos is already a crowded position group with the Halos trading for Boston Red Sox middle infielder Vaughn Grissom, and former prospect Christian Moore is going into his second season as he, too, struggles to deal with strikeout issues. Madrigal could also end up being a minor league depth piece who could be called up during the season if necessary.
Both Grissom and Moore could also compete for time at third base, which is yet another unsettled infield position. The Angels are also rumored to be interested in trading for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, although Arenado is 36 and he’d need to waive his no-trade clause to come to Anaheim.
There are still infielders on the free-agent market, but it doesn’t look like the Angels will be spending for any of them. GM Perry Minasian was pressed about this issue last week, and while he didn’t quite come out and say it, it’s widely believed that the money saved in the Taylor Ward deal and the contract settlement of former third baseman Anthony Rendon will be pocketed by owner Arte Moreno, who is facing a potentially large judgement from the Tyler Skaggs civil suit trial.