Veteran outfielder Jake Marisnick has signed a Minor League deal with the Los Angeles Angels, and he will be eligible to play in Spring Training.
Throughout the 2023 season, the 33-year-old was traded between the Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago White Sox, making 46 appearances in games. In 83 plate appearances, he had a slash line of.237/.280/.408 points.
The right-handed outfielder, who is mostly employed as a defensive replacement, has produced plus grades when deployed at all three outfield positions.
With Mike Trout, Mickey Moniak, and Taylor Ward manning center field, the Angels have some offensive potential, but Marisnick could really excel in late-game defensive situations if given the chance.
Along with José Marte, Travis MacGregor, and Willie Calhoun, he is the latest addition to the Angels’ Minor League roster. adding buy-low prospects to their roster who, should things work out, could end up being role players.
Where can the outfield group of the Angels be strengthened?
With Trout covering centerfield, Angels general manager Perry Minasian may decide not to assign Jo Adell to the outfield in favor of bringing in a more seasoned fourth option.
Adell has not lived up to expectations throughout his time with the Angels, appearing to alternate between periods of improvement and decline. This has made it more important to have more seasoned assistance at the major league level rather than more youthful possibilities.
Ward plays to the left, giving Mickey Moniak, who had a standout 2023 season, a chance to handle the majority of the reps.
However, the Angels have a few choices if they wanted to bring in a veteran on a one-year deal: Adam Duvall, Kevin Kiermaier, and possibly a reunion with Randal Grichuk.
That would give Adell little leeway because the Angels could transfer Adell, but he would be stuck in a tough situation with no Minor League choices.