The Angels are closing in on a cope with free agent infielder Kevin Newman, report Will Sammon and Sam Blum of The Athletic. The Angels lately introduced that shortstop Zach Neto might miss the beginning of the 2025 season following shoulder surgical procedure.
Newman, 31, had a pleasant yr in a utility function with the Diamondbacks in 2024. The previous Pirates first-rounder hit .278/.311/.375 (89 wRC+) with plus protection at each center infield spots. He additionally logged temporary time at third base and within the outfield corners. He doesn’t present any energy (three homers, .097 ISO) or draw many walks (4.8%), however Newman additionally confirmed pesky contact abilities, fanning in solely 15.4% of his plate appearances. He’s a roughly common runner however has savvy sufficient instincts to have gone 30-for-35 in stolen base makes an attempt over the previous 4 seasons (85.7% success). Newman swiped eight baggage in every of the previous three seasons and peaked at a career-best 16 steals when he was given extra enjoying time with the Pirates in 2019.
Even within the occasion that Neto is prepared for Opening Day, Newman makes some sense as a pure bench choice for an Angels membership that’s missing any kind of confirmed contributor. Former prime prospect Scott Kingery is presently in line to carry a bench function. The one different infield choices on the 40-man roster are Eric Wagaman, who debuted as a 27-year-old rookie in September, and former second-round choose Kyren Paris, who struggled immensely at Double-A, Triple-A and within the majors final season. Newman will add some mandatory depth and lift the group’s flooring together with his monitor report of fantastic glovework.
Extra to return.
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