The Angels have a “strong interest in” Tim Anderson, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, with Los Angeles eyeing Anderson as a possible second base candidate. Though Anderson has been a shortstop for virtually his entire eight-year career in the majors, he acknowledged last month that he would be open to becoming a second baseman.
“Really, at this point, it doesn’t matter. I’m a shortstop/second baseman,” Anderson said in an interview with MLB.com’s Scott Merkin. “It’s whatever to allow my career to keep going. I’m not going to wrestle with a team that I’m this or I’m that. It’s just an honor and a blessing to fit in any lineup as a starter considering how hard this game is. Short would be my first choice, but I also understand how older guys are viewed, now that I’m stepping into that phase, which sucks and is different. I just want to continue to keep building on what I started and get back to what I used to be.”
Anderson just turned 30 last June, but is at a career crossroads in the wake of a disastrous final season with the White Sox. Anderson hit .318/.347/.474 over 1641 plate appearances with Chicago from 2019-22, a four-year run that included two All-Star appearances, a Silver Slugger Award, and a batting title. It certainly looked like Anderson was a solid bet to keep up that level of production heading into 2023, but a knee sprain (and a three-week injured list stint) early in the season seemed to throw Anderson off for the rest of the year. Anderson hit only .245/.286/.296 over 524 PA, and he had the lowest wRC+ (60) of any qualified hitter in baseball.
This led the White Sox to decline their $14MM club option on Anderson’s services for 2024, instead buying him out for $1MM and sending the veteran infielder into the free agent market for the first time in his career. Though the Sox didn’t have any luck in trying to trade Anderson before the deadline to decide on his contract option, it makes sense why the Angels or other clubs would be interested in him as a free agent at a lower price tag. A return to good health and a change of scenery might well get Anderson back to the All-Star form he showed as recently as 2022, making him an intriguing bounce-back candidate.
It seems like a lock that Anderson and his reps at Excel will pursue a one-year contract this winter, in the hopes that Anderson can play well and then be lined up for a more lucrative longer-term deal next offseason. This might fit well with the Angels’ plans, as GM Perry Minasian added mostly shorter-term deals last winter in an attempt to bolster the club’s depth around superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.
The tactic didn’t work, as the Angels stumbled to their eighth straight losing record and their ninth straight year without a postseason appearance. With Ohtani’s possible departure in free agency now looming, it remains to be seen how the Angels might approach the loss of their two-way star, yet signing Anderson to a one-year deal makes sense whether the Halos are looking to contend in 2024 or if they might take a step back to re-evaluate, if not necessarily rebuild. Either way, the Angels would be hoping Anderson rebounds, as he could at least become a trade chip at the deadline if Los Angeles fell short again.
Zach Neto figures to be the top candidate for everyday shortstop work, though having Anderson on hand provides L.A. with some depth if Neto struggles in his sophomore season. From a fielding perspective, Neto looks to be the better option given how Anderson’s glovework has been so subpar over the last two seasons, so it would seem like second base might be the Angels’ preferred position for the veteran.
However, even that isn’t a clean fit, as Brandon Drury and Luis Rengifo would seemingly have the keystone covered. This doesn’t exactly preclude an Anderson signing, as Rengifo could play third base if Anthony Rendon encounters more injury issues, and Drury could also play first base in a timeshare with Nolan Schanuel. If Ohtani leaves, the DH spot would now be open for the Angels to find more at-bats for various players on the roster.
A bunch of Ted Williams incoming with Jackie Robinson comments.
The Guardians have ZERO interest in Jose Ramirez’s punching bag.
The thing is, if it made baseball sense, the Tribe (sic) would probably sign him and Ramirez would be okay with it because he’s a professional. Anderson seems like he’s the only one who would scoff at that notion. Not sure who needs a sub replacement level second baseman. Most have a AAAA type that can handle it at a fraction of the cost and headache. Most infielder acquisitions off the DFA wire are equally as productive at league minimum. I’d want a team-option year in the event Timmy snaps back, otherwise it’s all risk if he can’t play short with a 40% worse batting line than a replacement player, hard pass at anything over 5M without a team option at say 1/12M with a 1M buyout.
I think the glass jaw comments have passed up the Jackie ones
It’s amazing how far Anderson fell last year? It’s like Jose hit him and he just kept falling? Fell into a Neverending blackhole? Like the nothing from the Neverending story
That said a lot of respectable careers have gone to Anaheim to die? 2 more to get that 10 year pension Tim
I don’t know. I think Anderson needs to find himself a team like the other one in LA. A team with a solid winning approach and a good coaching staff. Anderson looks like he would make a great super utility. Definitely seems to have the attitude for it.
I think Anaheim should see if the Yankees are willing to let go of Torres at a reasonable price. They have tried buying top priced free agents and they have tried rebuilds like Syndergaard. Maybe it’s time they just make some smart trades and try to get a wildcard.
TA is not looking for a super utility job. Why would you want him in that position? Hey, he’s a terrible SS. Lets find out what other positions he can’t play?
The Dodgers are too classy for Tim Anderson. The Angels are the only organization stupid enough to sign yet another pinhead to go with Anthony Rendon.
The guy has one bad year, and he’s a terrible SS. Let’s not mention he won a batting championship or is a two-time All Star or was a key part of the Sox’ rebuild before Reinsdorf put that to an end. Continue TA bashing. White Sox fans know the real ball player.
If that’s the case why aren’t they clamoring for Getz to bring him back? Maybe they’re the silent majority I keep hearing about.
Ah yes the same classy organization that makes a mockery of religion.
Lmao that username
Nope
Pass
Guy’s gonna rake… in the Angels single-A ball.
Between Anderson and Rendon, Angels rehab assignments are going to be (former) star-studded.
“………..if Anthony Rendon encounters more injury issues,” And if the sun rises and sets daily and taxes are due by 4/15. I don’t think anyone would take issue with the writer if he replaced “if” with “when”.
Tim could definitely benefit from having a guy like Wash, correcting a lot of fielding issues and to get his bat going again too.
This seems like a good fit with lots of upside.
I think he’d fit better on a team like the Brewers. Go out and have fun, get into the playoffs and see what happens.
Doesn’t matter what the Angels do, they’ll still suck.
Lol, this guys angry!
How do you come to the conclusion that he’s angry? He made a statement that aligns with the truth. The Angels haven’t made the playoffs for how many years now? And haven’t even been particularly close during that time period despite having two different players who were given the title of “best player on the planet” for a significant amount of time that time, if not all of it.
Because its not an analysis, its a loser fan comment. Also, the, Angels have extraordinarily bad luck. Ohtani and Trout played in less than 50% of the possible games together because their injuries were always at inverse times. The Angels havent been competitive yes, but the argument that theyre “bad” is emotional.
Similarly the Snakes dont even come close to sniffing the playoffs in the AL, in fact they were statistically the worst playoff team in modern history.
The grander point is that Baseball is a very cruel game and the Angels future isnt as clear cut as all yall simple comments.
Bad decision making not bad luck.
The article states that the Angels have had eight consecutive losing seasons. That’s much more than bad ‘luck’.
Just because you want to reclassify “bad” as an emotional response doesn’t change reality.
The Diamondbacks won more games than the Angels and look to be at the start of their contention window, not the end (like the Angels), so not a great comparison?
As far as worst playoff team, are you just ignoring 2020?
I think he meant to compare “Sox” and not “Snakes”.
bkbk
Because its not an analysis, its a loser fan comment.
===============================
It is not an analysis, but is it true? I feel comfortable saying that the Royals, the Rox, and the A’s stink as well.
“Loser fan comment,” OK. Idk, seems spot on to me, and nothing you said disproves my original point that snakes wasn’t angry. If anything, you and kdub seem angry about his comment. Regardless, until the Angels can prove different, they are who they have shown to be for the past 15 or so seasons. Must be an Angels fan…
Yeah, just imagine if the Yankees had 8 straight losing seasons and trying to explain to the fan base it is purely due to bad luck.
I completely agree. If Anderson would have been truly healthy last year he would not have lost that bout with Ramirez on a TKO, and everybody knows it. (Insert eye roll emoji)
So YOU’RE the one who’s mad.
They need to upgrade listening to players needs and the club exercise room?
Honestly I couldn’t agree more. Even if they retain Ohtani, sign a top pitcher and more, they’d still miss the playoffs
Insert “butwhy.gif”
White Sox fan here saying you can have him. Even when he was playing well, the defense was inconsistent at best and he’s always had a showy, me-first attitude, not to mention the delusional comments about being like Jackie.
Minasian loves his versatile guys and must plan on third base beibg open at all times.
Anderson is no angel.
Maybe on a minor league deal
Tigers? Looks like a project for them, considering no second baseman and a shortstop who can’t hit his weight…one year deal with Tigers makes most sense
No it doesnt. Ibanez was better than TA, and Colt Keith will be playing there too.
No, Tim Anderson doesn’t make sense at all playing for the Tigers. Its a young team and doesn’t need any more players who are themselves distractions. They lucked out that Eduardo Rodriguez opted out.
Don’t change, Halos.
No he cannot pitch.
Former shortstop. At least worth a try?
Meh. They have Drury at 2nd, right?
Is this a dumpster needing someone to light that fire?
Traded out the dumpster for a tire? Rumor has it they burn twice as long and twice as bright
Guys Today I went to the aquarium here in Toronto ( next to the Rogers center) and my eyes couldn’t believe what i just saw… the one and only….Ohtani getting into the stadium…. Never knew my Jays were going after him.
But how were the fish?
I can imagine Joeypower going to every tourist of Asian descent:
“OMG! can I get your autograph Ohtani!!!!”
The Winter meetings started already?
Nightengale also said Torii Hunter was going to be the 1st base coach
Of course they are…
This signing would almost guarantee a world series win for the always contending Angels.
this is the most angels thing i’ve ever heard of lol
Its Nightengale so that means the Angels have zero interest.
Tim Anderson “I cannot believe someone is interested in giving me a major league contract. I will do anything to make league minimum”.
Yes!!! Wait! What’s that you say? It’s NOT Garret Anderson? It’s Tim Anderson? Oh. Okay. Then pass.
Interesting player.
Four straight years batting .300+ including a batting title.
Started off 2023 normally and was hitting .298/.324/.404 before he got hurt. Then cratered.
I doubt he forgot how to hit, but injuries can linger as one gets older.
I’m very curious about the health of his knee, and if it’s sound, he’s definitely a player worth kicking the tires on.
Oh heck yes. As a Tigers fan, I know first hand how much damage he can do. If any team has a questionable middle infield, it behooves them to take a flyer on Tim. I suggest getting a club option on a 2nd year at a much higher salary. I refuse to believe he doesn’t return to being a very productive hitter.
After missing most of 2022 with injury, Anderson got hurt in early April in 2023.. Was out April 11th to May 2nd. He didn’t miss any more time on IL last season.
He is definitely a player worth kicking in the knee. Or sending a right cross into his jaw.
I keep seeing how great Anderson was as recently as 2022.. He put up 2.0 fWAR and 1.9 bWAR in 2022. Hardly worth calling “All Star” at the end of the day, and barely worth starting.
Just have to see how much Anderson gets.
@martras Maybe WAR isn’t a good stat at evaluating player’s worth? Guys that bat over .300 with decent pop don’t just grow on trees. WAR has been saying that guys like Myles Straw, Jake Cronenworth and Anthony Volpe are better than Tim Anderson. I’ll take Tim Anderson (despite his attitude) anyday of the week over 90% of the players in the league. The dude just knows how to flat out hit
WAR has Varsho heading to Cooperstown with a nice plaque.
.300 isn’t good with no walks and below average power. Combine that with being a massive liability on defense and Tim is objectively not a very good player.
Not all walks are a net positive.
Please enlighten me
@its_happening
Not all balls in play are a net positive; not all strikeouts are a net negative.
That doesn’t change the fact that strikeouts are generally bad, balls in play are generally good, and walks are generally good. To play probabilities you have to generalize.
Correct highheat. Now discuss walks.
ArrogantA
-Defense pitching around a player to get the matchup they want (lefty vs lefty, etc)
-Defense pitching around a player to put the force on with a base open
-Defense pitching around a player with a runner on third and one out
-Defense pitching around a player up by 3 with two out and nobody on base
-A player who needs a gap shot to the wall just to go first to third
-Tie game in the 8th or 9th, runner on third and none or one out, you take pitches you can lift in the air
-A player who really isn’t a threat with the bat but walks against inferior pitching
Do you need more?
@LFGMets (Metsin7) #InEpplerIsGone!!!!! – All 30 GMs for MLB teams think WAR is a great stat.
C Logan O’Hoppe/Max Stassi?
1B Nolan Schanuel/Brandon Drury
2B Tim Anderson/Brandon Drury
3B Luis Rengifo/Brandon Drury/Anthony Rendon
SS Zach Neto/Luis Rengifo
Would make quite a versatile infield. Matt Thaiss and Taylor Ward even fit into the infield depth charts if needed.
Better yet, acquire SS/2B Javier Baez for SS Zach Neto and have even more versatility. You can have OF/1B Mark Canha and P Spencer Turnbull too.
How about bringing back Urshela instead?
No and no. Angels bring a very well performing player and he goes south as soon. Now underperforming player comes and becomes totaly useless.
@aragon
Maybe it works the other way. Underperforming players turn into superstars? Angels need to stop signing superstars.
The Angels need to start building on drafts.
@aragon That was before Washington. I’d be interested in seeing if Anderson could turn around his defense with his help
Please have Timmy and Rendon in the same clubhouse.
“if Anthony Rendon encounters more injury issues”
Now THAT’S funny.
Of course they do that’s why they’re the Angels.
That’s why I picked the Angels in the FA contest. Expect the inexplicable.
I at least give Tim credit for being realistic about his recent performance and current options/outlook.
Maybe he had some sense knocked into him?
I don’t see TA as being a 100% bad guy. From what I read, he does some good stuff. But at this point, he is a lightening rod for the press, which will magnify every negative thing. If this was another player in the Ramirez fight (or if it wasn’t the always popular Ramirez), I’d bet the optics would be a lot better.
Disgraces to baseball should not be allowed the opportunity to wear the same jersey as Trout and Ohtani
Angels should have all their attention focused on PITCHING!
“as Rengifo could play third base if Anthony Rendon encounters more injury issues”
*when
There, fixed your typo.
Rengifo, at third, is an error machine. He is defensively horrendous at SS, 2B, LFand RF. I doubt he played CF or catcher.
Hopefully Zaidi will have ZERO interest in Anderson. Not a good fit for Giants even as backup SS to Luciano or Estrada at 2B
Tim Anderson should take the year off after the year he just had. He’d be better as a jockey or as a stand up comedian at this point than a major leaguer.
Lots of trolls. The Angels have a question mark at virtually every position. Getting a player that can be an answer at two positions is the right play.
I thought Rosario might be a better target, but this also makes sense.
By all means, make another terrible decision.
You guys want Javy too?