The Los Angeles Angels have been running a revolving door for their relievers and infielders, but with the start of spring training just weeks away, it’s time to start making some tough decisions. The games will count for real soon, and AJ Eustace of MLBTradeRumors.com did a rundown on what the options are beyond third baseman Yoan Moncada, first baseman Nolan Schaneul and shortstop Zach Neto.
Christian Moore
Moore became the incumbent at second base when infielder Luis Renfigo elected to enter free agency, and the fact that he was the team’s top draft pick in 2024 will give him plenty of opportunities based on that alone, according to Eustace.
Moore’s big problem isn’t a secret. He strikes out at a rate of 33.7 percent, and at the moment he’s a minus defender, although that could change as he gets more time. He does have 78th percentile speed, though, according the Eustace, so if he can improve his contact rate, his power stroke will become a more significant advantage.
Vaughn Grissom
Grissom’s big problem is time. He has a slash line of .255/.309/.346 at the major league level, but the prospective spent last year at Triple A after the Boston Red Sox soured on him and traded him to the Angels. He was above average at Triple A, but this could be Grissom’s prove-it year as a prospect who needs to become a player. His defense is about on a par with Moore’s, and while Grissom won’t hit more home runs than Moore, he has showed more as an all around hitter.
Oswald Peraza
Peraza looks very much like a failed prospect so far in his career. He started his career with the New York Yankees, but in 524 plate appearances from 2022-25, he’s slashed just 189/.260/.282, and he struck out at a 34.7 percent rate in 95 appearances with the Angels in 2025. Everything about him screams “defensive replacement,” so it’s hard to see him competing for anything other than a backup/utility position.
Denzer Guzman/Kyren Paris
Guzman was an international signing in 2021 who’s showed some power as an all-around infielder, but he hasn’t hit enough to win a regular spot. Paris is a steady defender, but the infielder's strikeout rate of 42.1 percent is far too high for him to see the field much.
Minor League Signings: Trey Mancini and Jeimer Candelario
Mancini is an intriguing backup at first base given the presence of new hitting coach Brady Anderson, and Candelario is also a depth option as a corner infielder if he hits enough, which he hasn’t to date.