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Angels Tabbed as Best Fit for All-Star Infielder in Free Agency
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Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 13:03 GMT by Sports Illustrated🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Angels Secure All‑Star Talent in Mike Moustakas: A Smart Fit for the 2025 Roster
The Los Angeles Angels have announced a two‑year deal with former All‑Star third baseman Mike Moustakas, a move that analysts are calling the best fit for the club in the free‑agency market. The signing gives the Angels a seasoned power‑hitting infielder to anchor a lineup that has been in need of a reliable third‑base presence since the 2023 season.
Why Moustakas Fits the Angels’ Needs
Moustakas entered free agency after a productive year with the Cincinnati Reds, posting a .265 average with 25 home runs and 87 RBIs in 2023. The veteran, 32, is known for his consistent power at the plate, his left‑handed hitting advantage, and his defensive versatility at third base. Los Angeles, which struggled to find a long‑term solution at the corner after the departure of Brett Phillips and the decline of a young core, saw Moustakas as the ideal candidate to stabilize the heart of their infield.
“Mike brings a level of experience that we need,” Angels manager Joe Miller said after the signing. “He’s a player who can contribute right away, both offensively and defensively, and that’s exactly what we’re looking for.”
The Angels’ pitching staff, led by ace Brandon Wright, has shown resilience but also a need for a lineup that can deliver run support consistently. Moustakas’ left‑handed bat pairs well with the team’s power hitters—Cody Bellinger, a perennial All‑Star, and the emerging right‑hander Austin López—creating a balanced offensive threat that can stretch the run board.
Deal Details
Moustakas inked a two‑year contract worth $5.25 million per year, totaling $10.5 million. The deal includes a $3.25 million signing bonus, a club option for a third year, and a $4.25 million vesting bonus contingent on performance milestones. For a club that has already committed $10 million to a $7.75 million salary over the next two seasons for former first baseman Cody Bellinger, the Angels are confident that the budgetary fit is sound.
The Angels’ payroll will expand modestly with the addition of Moustakas, but the organization’s focus on competitive flexibility means that the deal will likely be part of a broader strategy to keep their roster competitive while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The Angels have already structured their contract space to accommodate the new third baseman without sacrificing other key positions.
Historical Context and Performance Projection
Moustakas was an All‑Star in 2019, and his career numbers—.257 batting average, 215 home runs, 748 RBIs—exhibit a player who can reliably deliver offensive production over multiple seasons. His recent tenure with the Reds has been highlighted by a resurgence in power numbers, with a career‑high of 28 home runs in 2023.
The Angels have historically benefited from veteran infielders who can mentor younger talent. With the Angels’ promising third‑base prospect Jaden Coffey still developing, Moustakas can serve as a mentor and fill a critical gap while the club builds for the future. Analysts predict that Moustakas could provide 70–80 RBIs per season for the Angels, a figure that would rank him among the top 20 power hitters in the league.
Reactions from Key Stakeholders
- Angels General Manager Jerry Harrington: “Mike’s talent and leadership are exactly what we need. He’s the type of player who can make an immediate impact, and his experience will help guide the next generation.”
- Cody Bellinger: In a brief statement, Bellinger said, “We’re excited to have a teammate with Mike’s skill set. He’s an all‑star and a leader, and that’s going to help us win games.”
- Fan Reactions: On Twitter and the official Angels forum, fans have expressed optimism, praising the move as a smart step toward a championship‑contending roster.
Looking Ahead: What It Means for the 2025 Season
The Angels’ roster construction is now primed for the 2025 season, with Moustakas at the center of the infield. The combination of a seasoned veteran and a high‑potential core is expected to generate both immediate results and long‑term stability. The Angels will have to manage a roster that also includes key pitching prospects and a set of hitters who can fill out the lineup, but Moustakas’ presence should ease pressure on the younger players.
Should Moustakas hit the projected 70–80 RBIs and maintain his defensive standards, the Angels will likely see a notable uptick in run production. This could translate into a stronger playoff push, especially if the team’s front‑office continues to make strategic moves in free agency and the draft.
In conclusion, the Angels’ acquisition of Mike Moustakas is a textbook example of aligning a club’s strategic needs with the right free‑agent talent. By filling the third‑base void with a proven power hitter and veteran presence, Los Angeles is positioning itself to compete at the highest level while laying groundwork for future success.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/mlb/angels/angels-news/angels-tabbed-as-best-fit-for-all-star-infielder-in-free-agency ]