The Angels have signed right-hander Shaun Anderson to a minor league deal, according to his MLB.com transactions tracker. The Wasserman client has been assigned to Triple-A Salt Lake but will presumably be in big league camp as a non-roster invitee.
Anderson, 30, is a swingman who made six big league appearances last year between the Rangers and Marlins. He allowed 15 earned runs in 16 1/3 innings, leading to an unsightly 8.27 earned run average. That’s a tiny sample and seems to have been thrown out of shape by a .443 batting average on balls in play and 53.5% strand rate, which were both on the unlucky side. His 4.70 FIP and 4.59 SIERA were far more normal.
His work in Triple-A last year was greater in terms of quality and quantity. He tossed 63 innings over 19 appearances, including nine starts, with an even ERA of 3.00. His 23.4% strikeout rate and 5.9% walk rate were both strong numbers.
That’s been a pattern for Anderson for a while, as he has generally posted some intriguing numbers on the farm that haven’t translated to the big leagues. Including last year’s small sample of work, he has now thrown 152 big league innings for a 6.10 ERA, with a 16.5% strikeout rate and 8.9% walk rate. But over the past four years, he has logged 226 1/3 minor league innings with a 3.62 ERA, 20.9% strikeout rate and 7.6% walk rate.
The Angels have a lot of rotation options but not a lot of certainty. Yusei Kikuchi will be locked into one spot. Kyle Hendricks and Tyler Anderson seem likely to serve as veteran innings eaters. José Soriano had a good year in 2024 but has a long track record of injuries. Reid Detmers has shown flashes of potential but is coming off a rough year. Guys like Caden Dana, Sam Aldegheri, Chase Silseth and Jack Kochanowicz have some intrigue but limited experience.
The Halos signed Dakota Hudson earlier this offseason for some veteran non-roster depth and now Anderson joins him in that department. Given that Anderson has long relief experience as well, that’s another possible path for him. If he gets up to the big leagues at any point, he’ll face a challenge in hanging onto it since he is out of options.
We’re cornering the market on Anderson’s.
Beat me to it 😀
Now is the time for Brian Anderson’s comeback.
I would suggest Garret Anderson.
Always appreciate the opportunity to be reminded Twins traded Lamonte Wade for this dud.
Let me guess, 2 tommy John surgeries, hasn’t played in the league in 2 years and is 45 years old. Let’s sigh him
Shaun of the Dead perhaps?
Didn’t this guy almost hit Trout in the head a few years ago with the Giants?
No that was Hunter Strickland
Should have kept Canning if this is all you were going to do?
I don’t understand what you’re trying to say. Given what the Angels have done this offseason, “if this is all you were going to do” makes no sense at all.
Kidding aside, TA could have another 2+ WAR season
What more do you want.
They have signed everybody. They got all they need to be a winning team.
Ben done is gone
Yeah
With this guy’s numbers, he should get the Angels’ opening day nod.
Sign a 6.10 ERA guy????
He’s on a minor league contract. Every team signs guys like this for depth. Sometimes a change of scenery, new coaching from a different perspective, & health can help unlock some guys potential. If he doesn’t cut it, it wont affect the teams MLB roster
greatgame 2: “Sign a 6.10 ERA guy????”
Stop being cynical. This guy’s ceiling is replacement level. With a little luck and lots of magic by the Angel’s crack player development system, he’ll get there!