The Angels and former All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson are in agreement on a minor league contract, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today. He’ll be in camp with the Halos as a non-roster invitee this spring.
Anderson, still just 31 years old, experienced a precipitous decline at the plate in 2023. After posting an outstanding .318/.347/.473 batting line in the four prior seasons, the former AL batting champ, two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner posted an anemic .245/.286/.296 in a lost season with the the White Sox. That prompted the South Siders to decline what at one point looked to be a no-brainer $14MM club option for the 2024 season.
Anderson signed a one-year, $5MM deal with the Marlins last winter, landing himself a starting job in hopes of a rebound campaign. Instead, his offense declined even further. In 65 games and 241 plate appearances with Miami, Anderson mustered only a .214/.237/.226 batting line while striking out in a career-worst 28.2% of his turns at the plate. Overall, he’s taken 765 plate appearances since Opening Day 2023 and connected on just one homer with a composite .235/.271/.274 output.
Given the suddenness and magnitude of Anderson’s surprising decline, it’s natural that he’s limited to a minor league deal this winter. He was widely considered a bat-first shortstop in his final seasons with the White Sox anyhow, and his decline in the box now mirrors the decline in the field he’d experienced from 2020-23.
With the Angels, Anderson isn’t likely to unseat 24-year-old Zach Neto — the Angels’ quietly emerging everyday shortstop. Neto, the No. 13 overall pick in 2022, has quality defensive tools and turned in a .249/.318/.443 batting line with 23 homers and 30 steals last year during his first full big league season. His breakout didn’t garner as much attention as it deserved, presumably due to a slow start and the Angels’ standing as one of the game’s worst teams last year.
Elsewhere in the infield, there could be other opportunity. Anthony Rendon has been injured more than he’s been healthy since signing with the Angels. If he heads back to the IL, second baseman Luis Rengifo could slide over to third base and open a spot for Anderson — if he earns that type of consideration with a decent spring training. Anderson himself could also get a look at third base. Kevin Newman and Scott Kingery are both on hand as utility options on the bench, though Kingery has minor league options remaining.
Anderson might face long odds of getting back to the majors and securing an everyday role in Anaheim, but there’s no risk in the Halos bringing him to camp to see if they can catch a glimpse of his prior All-Star form. If Anderson can indeed bounce back, he’ll be a bargain contributor on a team hoping to reverse course and get back into contention after yet another finish well below .500. If he can rebound and the team struggles as it’s tended to do in recent years, Anderson could be a summer trade chip. And, if he simply continues to look overmatched this spring, the Angels can cut him loose and won’t owe him anything.
rough showing for jackie
Am I missing something or is this comment racist?
He compared himself to Jackie Robinson, due to the absurdity of that, the nickname is sticking as his talent falls off a cliff
Ah, got it, my fault.
I remember seeing that he said Donaldson calling him Jackie was racist back in ’18 or ’19.
Yeah Donaldson was poking fun in the same manner
I never understood the vitriol he received for saying he wanted to be like Jackie Robinson. Is it really that unbelievable and offensive to people that a young black man playing baseball would idolize the guy who broke the color barrier? Obviously his on-field perfoemance didn’t live up to the comparison, but it felt like such a weird thing to attack him over.
he didnt say he wanted to be like jackie robinson he said he felt like a modern day jackie robinson.
he was suspended for using the n word towards a white teammate in a locker room fight and declined to challenge the suspension because he didnt believe mlb would send in any black executives to take his side.
“”I’m bringing something to baseball that’s never been brought, as far as the swag,” he said. “I love fashion, and just being different, and bringing black culture to baseball and doing it in a different way, because today’s game is boring. … [After the bat flip,] a lot of people who don’t watch baseball, they actually gave me feedback, like, ‘Man, if this is going on in baseball, I better watch it.'”
was jackie robinson a fashion icon? is this insulting to his legacy?
Huge difference between saying you want to be like someone and referring to yourself as the modern day version of someone.
I don’t know, enthusiastic young player being hyperbolic in a SI(?) interview just doesn’t feel like as big of a deal as people make it out to be.
I’m embarrassed for you.
reeeeeeee!
If you have to ask, it’s not.
Why would that be racist?
Everything is racist in woke snowflake America.
I feel for Tim. He put his foot in his mouth with the Jackie comment, he has repeatedly had little missteps that undercut his talent, and then of course, “down goes Anderson.”
I hope he gets things sorted and is productive again.
As an M’s fan, I love this signing! Maybe the Halos will bring back Chone Figgins.
down goes anderson?
nahhh, definitely seems like a ‘he breaks camp or opts out’ scenario. but with neto hurt you never know, he might get that opportunity.
That’s why they signed Newman though and he’s not gonna get cut with the money the Angels are paying him. I think he goes to AAA.
still though counting the infielders its newman, rengifo, schanuel, rendon, kingery and neto. they have paris and lugo in the minors, but with zach’s surgery there might be a spot to fight for come opening day. Moore and TA look like they get the first cracks, thats why he signed.
Lugo is an outfielder.
Also, Kingery has milb options and if you’re mentioning Schanuel then we should mention Kavadas, though he’ll also be in the minors.
@pohle. He’s probably competing with kingery or plays a month. They technically could send schanuel down for a month since ward could play first. Maybe rendon until he gets hurt or d’arnaud.
Jose Ramirez really knocked Timmy right out of the league lol
Alright, our starting shortstop until Neto comes back.
I hope that’s a joke but it doesn’t feel like it right now.
@halosheaven. It’s still newman atleast he hits .270. Anderson replaces the 20 other guys the angels have used in the past 3-4 years. All I can say is maybe a rebound candidate and he can steal bags pretty much like kingery.
Newman is vastly superior with the glove and actually hit OK last season.
Flaherty would have been better.
Bold Statement
Does he play shortstop?
@brian. Yes he’s isn’t very good. Newman is going to be the ss until neto comes back. He’s just competing with kingery.
I thought you were referring to Jack, which makes the joke funnier. It’s not funny if there’s actually an infielder with that name on the roster.
@brian. I was clearly talking about Paul. He makes a decent pasta sauce.
If Tim can stop his complaining he can get back to being a very good ballplayer. He’s not getting any younger, hopefully he figures it out.
Maybe you and others can just move on yourselves instead of acting like fools every time his name is mentioned.
Are you TIM by chance?
BITA: My sentiments exactly. I think his off the field problems took a toll on his game. Hopefully he can rebound and become the player he used to be. He’s too young to give up on.
Hey Jackie, thanks for the advice!
Bless you and that cute little dog too.
I’d like to see Tim return to his previous level of play. Everyone likes a comeback story.
same could be said of someone that has a conspiracy against Pete Alonso.
Wash has done more with less, so here’s hoping.
This is what happens when Jackie Robinson wants to be Tim Anderson.
Cue the thinly veiled racism in 3,2,1…….
based on your previous comments this doesn’t surprise me
Aren’t you the roger whatever slider guy?
Yeah…that’s you…….
Says the fella who cries racism for no reason?
Cue the “Anyone that disagrees with me is a Racist”, reply!
Ron Washington will fix him
@ALTHOE – If anyone can fix him, I would also think Wash would be the one. I hope for Anderson’s sake he does. I used to love watching him play and then his game (and attitude) just seemed to fall off a cliff.
Well, he can fix his baseball acumen only. Taking a soft right jab, not so much.
He’s certainly worth a shot on a minors deal. Hopefully Washington and the Angels can get him turned around.. but the guy has just looked lost.
And then party with him after the game.
Some people feel compelled to make stupid comments. Glad there’s a mute button.
I forgot about Anderson. What happened after Miami last year? Was he cut? Demoted?
He was designated for assignment and released. Did not catch on with a new team
Thanks, Mario!
Why not? Doesn’t cost them much of anything. I hope he can get himself back to being productive.
No coincidence, Tim Anderson’s career went downhill right after ignoring Roger Beshen’s advice regarding throwing a new pitch AKA the football slider. Roger Beshens tried to warn Tim Anderson multiple times but being as stubborn as he is, he refused to listen. He ended up taking a football slider to the face instead
@bita. Your opinions still suck doesn’t matter how many accounts you have. You probably wouldn’t have to make new ones if you didn’t say the same stupid jokes over again. Tim Anderson is a infielder not a pitcher dummy.
That’s the joke friend good job I’m glad you finally wrapped your head around it. :Have a wonderful day 🙂
@choof. Jokes are usually funny. You recognized it was a attempt of a joke, but I actually was acknowledging the joke of your existence. If only your mom got past the a’s in the alphabet she could done us all a favor and asked for plan b.
that was a cute attempt to sound clever and funny but it comes across as cringeworthy. Anywho, I’m gonna get back to real life now. Have a wonderful day friend
@choof. How can it be funny and cringeworthy. Sounds like you identify as a oxymoron. Please don’t consume a tide pod, and stay safe.
I said it was an attempt lol good job reading. I’m sure your caretaker is very proud of your progress this week
Uh, choof? TA isn’t a pitcher, but say hi to Roger for me.
my friend you are missing the point
@choof. Enlighten us with the point. I’ll be waiting.
you’ll be waiting all day pal. Even if I tried to explain it I don’t think you have the capacity to process it
Alright queef
See now that’s funny
And just like that the Angels steal the offseason from the Dodgers!
And the parade of scrubs into Anaheim continues unabated.
If anyone can reboot him, it’s Ron Washington. Good low-risk move,
Could compete for a MIF bench spot. Might as well try if if you’re LAA. He was once a rising player, then fell off a cliff. Not sure what happened.
As a Mariner fan, I approve.
I would’ve lost a substantial amount of fake internet money betting that Tim Anderson was over 35 years old. It’s wild that he’s only 31.
Honestly, with Ron Washington as manager of the Angels, this is the best place for Tim to go to, even if it’s a minor league deal. He can work with Wash during Spring Training and get his head back in the game.
Acoss1331: I think that’s what’s keeping him from being productive, what’s going on in his head. Hopefully that will get sorted out and he’ll find his game again. I’m pulling for him.
@avenger. That might be the problem jose ramirez knocked him silly. I doubt he lasts long. Players have been saying he’s a dirty player, until ramirez gave him his receipt, also said he been told for years. As far as signing him why not although I would’ve prefer livan Soto, because he can hit decently with no power
hard to think of another player whose career evaporated like Anderson’s.
Matt Harvey is who comes to mind for me. But yeah, it’s sad.
Josh Hamilton
Harvey had a slew of arm problems. There was nothing surprising about his fade
Kevin Maas
Anderson’s “anemic” numbers from 2023 would make him a superstar for the current version of the Sox.
At least Angels didn’t give Anderson 40-man roster spot or commit a lot of $$$ to him. Anderson probably won’t be with Angels after Spring Training
I always thought he was over rated and has a terrible attitude
Stick Talk!
Guy’s a total clown. 2 seasons in a row of negative war yet he thinks he’s Jackie Robinson lol what a loser
Anderson and Rendon in the same clubhouse? What could possibly go wrong…
When will Rendon be in the clubhouse?
What exactly happened to him? He’s not exactly the first player to see their baseball playing abilities completely disappear at what would normally be the beginning or middle of the peak of most players’ careers.
Doesn’t sound like injury and yes, he expressed some embarrrasing and ironic hubris, but that in and of itself wouldn’t cause his playing ability to simply evaporate seemingly overnight.
Actual theories?
I think he had a kid with another woman or something.
All they need now is Tommy Pham, Trevor Bauer & Julio Urías!
I’d rather sign 52 yr old Omar vizquel
With TA7 some of the Angels players might have to worry about their wives. With Omar Vizquel they’d need to worry about everyone, including themselves their partners or any relations who might be autistic.
Jackie Robinson just hasn’t seemed like himself these last couple of seasons
Has anyone gone down faster and further?
he had a really good WBC being teammates with Trout. Not saying he will revert back to the same player, but an interesting connection, low risk move
He already has 3 girlfriends lined up in CA.
Elaborate?
He got his mistress pregnant while he was married and had young kids. Then it came out he was seeing a bunch of other women also and may have knocked up another one. Real role model.
Looks like more of a bet–he manages a decent month with the bat, still shows he can play the field, and maybe he’s a small trade asset. It’s weird to see such a marked drop off
Probably a good project for Ron W. If anyone can get TA right, it’s prob Wash.
How does Kingery still have options remaining?
Anderson hasn’t been the same since Jose Ramirez decked him.
He really fell off a cliff, didn’t he?
I don’t mind this signing. No risk, high reward,
With the veterans they signed earlier this off season, if he gets out of line, I am sure he will dealt with quickly.
If Neto can’t play opening day, Anderson is the best temporary option they have right now. If Anderson somehow recaptures his playing ability, he’d be a great trade chip for some pitching help.
No one cares what you mind, numbskull.
I thought the Angels were trying to build a positive culture. Hmm.
@Kellin
I would have been a lot more concerned if they had signed him last year, That is also why I added that the new veterans, I feel, would help keeps things in order.
Angelsfan 1972 hasn’t watched a baseball game since 1972 so just let him gas out, like a Terry Forster fastball.
This signing should secure the Angels 62 wins this year!!! Bang!!!!!!
We can always count on you to say the same moronic
“This signing should secure the Angels 62 wins this year!!!”
Can you at least be somewhat creative and come up with a new way to announce your presence?
1972 still crying because you’re a loser. How about if I announce my presence with: Angels just secured 60 wins and AngelsFan1972 is still a bitc*??? That better for you?
Low IQ
5th grade name calling tactics, is what you have lowered yourself to?
I’m not a loser, you are! ha ha ha.
Sticks and stones and rubber and all that. You’re still a bit*h.
Oh, some one seems to be an extra special angry elf today.