The Los Angeles Angels’ infield situation is a ticking time bomb, and it’s a problem that could derail their entire season. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the team has made some moves to bolster their bullpen and starting rotation, their infield—particularly second base—remains a glaring question mark. Why? Let’s dive in.
The Angels’ offseason has been quieter than a library on a Sunday morning. Their most significant move? Restructuring Anthony Rendon’s contract, deferring his $38 million salary over five years. And this is the part most people miss: while this frees up immediate cash, it doesn’t address the team’s on-field needs. In terms of roster additions, they’ve focused on the bullpen, signing relievers like Jordan Romano, Drew Pomeranz, Kirby Yates, and Brent Suter. They’ve also taken flyers on struggling players like Alek Manoah and Grayson Rodriguez, and re-signed Yoan Moncada to anchor third base. But Moncada’s return doesn’t exactly scream upgrade, and the infield as a whole feels like a house built on shaky foundations.
Here’s the real issue: the Angels’ financial uncertainty, compounded by their recent termination of a contract with Main Street Sports, might be handcuffing their ability to make bold moves. Could they be forced to hand over their broadcasts to MLB, a less profitable arrangement? It’s a possibility. Meanwhile, second base remains a black hole of uncertainty. Let’s break down the options—and trust me, it’s not pretty.
Christian Moore: The incumbent at second base after Luis Rengifo’s departure, Moore was the Angels’ 2024 first-round pick. But his debut season in 2025 was a disaster. In 184 plate appearances, he batted a measly .198/.284/.370, striking out 33.7% of the time. Sure, his 10.3% walk rate is a bright spot, but his defense is equally concerning, with negative marks in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Outs Above Average (OAA). For Moore to succeed in 2026, he’ll need to make more consistent contact and leverage his elite speed (78th percentile). But can he turn it around? That’s the million-dollar question.
Vaughn Grissom: Acquired from the Red Sox two months ago, Grissom has a career batting line of .255/.309/.346, but he didn’t play a single major league game in 2025. His defense at second base is slightly better than Moore’s, but not by much. Grissom is out of options and has five years of team control, so he’s essentially in a now-or-never situation. To compete with Moore, he’ll need to outhit him—but can he do it consistently?
Oswald Peraza: A former Yankees prospect, Peraza has yet to make a splash in the majors. His career batting line of .189/.260/.282 is alarming, and his 27.1% strikeout rate doesn’t inspire confidence. However, his defense is a bright spot, with above-average range and an 81st-percentile arm. If he can cut down on strikeouts and get on base more, he could be a valuable utility player. But is that enough to justify a starting role?
Denzer Guzman & Kyren Paris: These two are more like depth pieces than legitimate contenders. Guzman, an international signing, showed promise in the minors with 17 home runs in 2025, but his major league experience is limited. Paris, a 2019 draft pick, is a solid defender but has been abysmal at the plate, with a career wRC+ of 50 and a 42.1% strikeout rate last year. Both are likely headed to Triple-A, but could they surprise us?
Minor-League Signings: Trey Mancini and Jeimer Candelario are long shots. Mancini, who was out of baseball in 2024, had a decent Triple-A season in 2025, but his last productive MLB season was 2022. Candelario, released by the Reds mid-2025, has seen his offense plummet since 2023. Both are limited to corner infield positions, so their value is minimal unless Moncada or Nolan Schanuel gets injured.
The Big Question: Can the Angels’ current infield options cut it, or are they destined for mediocrity? And if they’re not enough, what should the team do? Trade for a proven second baseman? Hope for a breakout from Moore or Grissom? Let’s hear your thoughts—do you think the Angels’ infield is a lost cause, or is there a silver lining here?
