LA Angels Thursday News Crash: Ranger Not A Ranger

The Red Sox will sign left-hander Ranger Suarez for five years at $130 Million.

Jeff Joiner calls for a rebuild.

Here are all the teams’ first spring training workout dates for 2026.

Bud Black is back with the Padres, this time as a senior advisor to baseball operations. The Padres also signed Nick Solak and Omar Cruz to minor league deals.

The Cubs signed Alex Bregman. As we know, Nolan Arenado was traded to the Diamondbacks. That’s OK. The Angels have Nick Madrigal. The Angels also re-signed right-hander Shaun Anderson to a minor league contract.

Jose Urena signed for one year with the Rakuten Golden Eagles. The Twins claimed infielder/outfielder Vidal Brujan from the Braves. They DFAd catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper in a corresponding move. Outfielder Johnkensy Noel cleared waivers. The Orioles outrighted him to Triple-A.

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Pineapple12
Legend
1 month ago

Trading 1 year of Brock Burke for 3 years of Josh Lowe is good work.

LF – Lowe, CF – Rada, RF – Adell, Trout – DH?

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

He’s cheaper, even if he isn’t any good.

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

I wish I could be optimistic but this is another “had his best year in 2023” deal

Oski_Bear
Member
1 month ago

True, but tough to find those”had their best year in 2026” guys

Eric_in_Portland
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Oski_Bear

Impossible at this point

Oski_Bear
Member
1 month ago

Kinda my point!

FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Plenty of FA minimum relief arms available to backfill Burke. It’s worth a shot.

Seems like we could have just got Lux, not sure I would have wanted that but that could hqve plugged a hole at 2nd.

Last edited 1 month ago by FungoAle
Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

I agree

bobblanton
Trusted Member
1 month ago

But dodgers had to steal our thunder by signing Kyle tucker

bobblanton
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  bobblanton

Maybe he gets hurt again like last year

2GA2Join
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  bobblanton

The Dodgers had that deal lined up for weeks. But they waited to announce until Perry actually did something

bobblanton
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  2GA2Join

Haha

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  bobblanton

60M/year for 4 years. That’s insane.

FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Roy Hobbs

Standing by to hear about the deferrals, Duck Fogers

steelgolf
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

30 million deferred.

bobblanton
Trusted Member
1 month ago
    I like Josh Lowe
bobblanton
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  bobblanton

Lowe for Burke is a good trade

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  bobblanton

He fits right in. He was last and only good in 2023, but has otherwise been a below average hitter including 20% below average last year. Brock Burke on the other hand was 20% better than the average pitcher in 2024 and 28% better last year. Makes sense to me. Perry is just a clown.

steelgolf
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  bobblanton

Another right fielder, hmmm, are they going to move Adell to CF or trade him?

bobblanton
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

Good question. Another question. Are they trading Adell for a center fielder and third baseman

HalosFanForLife
Super Member
1 month ago

Less than 30 days. Got that camera ready Rex? Hopefully – one of these years – they improve the access like it used to be. It was so awesome before. Practice pretty much sucks to watch now. Hey Arte – Covid ended.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago

we will see how in unfolds but yes planning on it. No access to Field 3 where hitters take BP nor Field 6 lately, but elsewhere is OK.

the big challenge will be to see how Suzuki runs his camp and drills. every manager is different and I just got used to Wash’s.
Hopefully lots of activity on Field 1 and 2.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Jeff’s tiny little dream just died. Willi Castro would rather play for the Rockies than come to The Heim and get his soul and body crushed by the juju.

My guess is it was actually getting 2 years that swayed him. But also voodoo magic.

WallyChuckChili
Legend
1 month ago

Angels did get a Castro.

Not Willi but Miguel

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago

You know the off season is bad when Willi Castro is the guy you want to sign.

As of now, Grissom is the starting second basemen with Moore in the wings.

Senator_John_Blutarsky
Legend

Below is a look at which players from MLB.com’s Top 50 International Prospects list have agreed to terms with clubs, and for how much. Figures in bold are official.

1. Luis Hernandez, SS, Venezuela, Giants: $5,000,000
2. Wandy Asigen, SS, D.R., Mets: $3,900,000
3. Francisco Renteria, OF, Venezuela, Phillies: $4,000,000
4. Angeibel Gomez, OF, Venezuela, Royals: $2,900,000
5. Johenssy Colome, SS, D.R., Athletics: $4,000,000
6. Angel Nunez Jr., OF, D.R., Reds: $3,000,000
7. Jeancer Custodio, OF, D.R., Pirates: $900,000
8. Emanuel Luna, OF, D.R., Cardinals: $2,300,000
9. Jeyson Horton, SS, D.R., Angels: $2,000,000
10. Elian Rosario, OF/3B, D.R., Rangers: $2,500,000
11. Victor Valdez, SS, D.R., Rays: $3,500,000
12. Juan Rijo, OF, D.R., Mariners: $2,200,000
13. Joniel Hernandez, SS, Cuba, Padres: $1,400,000
14. Jose Luis Acevedo, SS, D.R., Orioles: $2,300,000
15. Jose Manon, SS, D.R., Braves: $1,500,000
16. Santiago Solarte, SS, Venezuela, Marlins: $1,000,000
17. Wilton Guerrero Jr., SS, D.R., Pirates: $1,950,000
18. Ariel Roque, OF, D.R., Orioles: $1,700,000
19. Albert Fermín, SS , D.R., Astros: $2,100,000
20. Ricky Moneys, SS, D.R.
21. Randy Santana, OF, D.R.
22. Jaider Suarez, SS, Cuba, Royals: $1,700,000
23. Cleiner Ramirez, OF, Venezuela, Mets: $1,372,500
24. Diego Frontado, SS, Venezuela
25. Andri Hidalgo, LHP, D.R., Orioles: $600,000
26. Samil Serrano, OF, D.R., Nationals: $1,960,000
27. Ronny Muñoz, SS , D.R., Marlins: $1,450,000
28. Dawvris Brito, SS, D.R., Red Sox: $1,200,000
29. Ezequiel Melbourne, SS, D.R., Dodgers: $747,500
30. Michael Mesa, OF, D.R.
31. Fernando Graterol, C, Venezuela, White Sox: $1,600,000
32. Gregory Pio, OF, D.R., Mariners: $2,900,000
33. Ricky Duran, SS, D.R., Athletics: $1,050,000
34. Enmanuel Merlo, SS, Venezuela
35. Pedro Gomez, OF, D.R., Orioles: $1,250,000
36. Garielvin Silverio, OF, D.R., Red Sox: $1,400,000
37. Randy Arias, SS, D.R., Astros: $1,400,000
38. Svert Reinoso, SS, D.R., Guardians: $820,000
39. Juan Parra, SS, Venezeula
40. Isaias Suarez, OF, D.R., Nationals: $1,900,000
41. Gabriel Rosario, OF/1B, D.R., Orioles: $1,000,000
42. Ruben Gallego, SS, Cuba, D-backs: $1,800,000
43. Adrian Lunar, C, Venezuela, Royals: Approx. $1,000,000
44. Fabricio Blanco, SS, Venezuela, Rays: $1,000,000
45. Jose Perdomo, C, Venezeula, Athletics: $600,000
46. Kendri Fana, RHP, D.R., Angels: $525,000
47. Frandel Pineda, RHP, D.R., Rangers: $350,000
48. Leonardo Reynoso, SS, D.R.
49. Jose Rodriguez, SS, Venezeula
50. Diego Pacheco, C, Venezuela, Reds: $800,000

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

I like being in that pile of teams that signed guys in the top 10. It’s a good look.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago

The Orioles have claimed CtPG’s favorite son Jose Suarez. 🙂

He joins Taylor Ward, Jeremiah Jackson and Kyle Bradish in the Angels “wing” of the black and orange aviary.

steelgolf
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

Bullet -Successfully dodged! He can throw mop up innings for Baltimore.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  steelgolf

That said, the Orioles’ aggressive offseason have made them very interesting again, and ripe for a resurgence. The AL East – with Boston, Toronto and O’s all going for it, and the Rays ever-savvy with player development – is pretty relentless at the moment.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

But. Jose Suarez. Doomed right? The word doomed has to be somewhere in the data right?

FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

All the Suarez’s are now off the board

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Where did Eugenio go?

FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Damn, for got about big E. Don’t sleep on the Red Sox.

Pineapple12
Legend
1 month ago

Happy International Signing Day! TBW put a piece out yesterday detailing our class.

https://www.thesportingtribune.com/2026/01/14/angels-2026-international-signing-preview

Perry’s tenure has been underwhelming and fallen short in many areas. I will give him credit for revitalizing our LATAM presence.

HalosFanForLife
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

Here’s a quick snapshot.

Screenshot-2026-01-15-at-10.55.31 AM
FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago

16-yr old Horton seems decent to me, guy who can put the bat on the ball and field a good SS. Small stature, not sure if he’ll put on size but I’d be happy if he could stick it like Erick Aybar.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  FungoAle

Rodriguez is the most interesting to me – based on the video I’ve seen, bloodlines and power projection.

Faña is also of note for his fairly developed secondaries at present age.

cookmeister
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

Castillo is probably my favorite (i’m a sucker for lefties). Not as much power as Rodriguez atm, but from what I’ve seen/heard, his approach, swing path, etc are excellent and very advanced. He will grow into more power (as a lot of the great power hitters have said, they try to hit line drives and get back spin, and eventually those balls get over the fence)

One thing I’m very excited about with both Castillo and Horton are the reports about their at bats in game against live pitching. With alot of these guys we just see and hear about the projection and a lot of BP, but with those two specifically, hearing mentioned by multiple people their abilities against live pitching is very encouraging.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

The (otherwise cash-strapped) Athletics, imo, made the most surprising move – handing out the second-highest bonus of the day to a kid that’s arguably the strongest positional talent in the draft. An already very interesting farm gets even more so with Colome.

Johenssy Colome, who is signing for $4,000,000 (the top bonus for a player from the Dominican Republic) and is for some scouts the best player available this year from the DR. Colome’s father, Jesus, pitched 10 seasons in the major leagues from 2001-10, mostly with the Devil Rays and Nationals. His uncle, righthander Alex Colome, pitched in 11 big league seasons from 2013-23, mostly with the Rays and White Sox. Johenssy’s baseball upbringing is evident in the way he plays the game, and while he has the arm strength that runs in the family, he’s one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the 2026 international class. His barrel explodes through the zone with excellent bat speed to produce some of the biggest raw power in the class. It’s a mechanically sound swing, so he doesn’t have to sell out to generate that power in games, and he routinely puts together quality at-bats with good barrel accuracy. The upside is there to develop 30-plus home run power, drawing comparisons to Rays infielder Junior Caminero. He’s an average runner who has the hands and footwork to stay in the infield and a plus-plus arm that would fit at either shortstop or third base. He should get the opportunity to continue at shortstop, though given how big he projects to be, some scouts think his future could be at third.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

The A’ss and their never ending stream of prospect talent that will eventually leave for other teams. I’ve never managed to hate the A’s. I’m glad it’s looking like they may actually keep some players now that they have escaped OakTown.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago

Open secret: I’m taking a study abroad year this season and following the A’s.

I love their core, and their last two draft classes look a lot like the draft classes I assembled in my CtPG features. At least for a couple years, they represent the geography I grew up in (the San Joaquin). They play in a minor league park, and I largely watch minor league games. My MLB TV subscription doesn’t black out their games.

And more to point, I actually love watching the team. Last year, the only MLB games I really enjoyed outside of the postseason was watching a handful of A’s contests with my wife (we hooked up during the 2002 title run, and watched Angels games together every night for a decade-plus, until chronic underperformance tore her away from the habit).

I’ll probably tune into an Angels game now and then for a significant event, like a Rada or Bremner debut. But I’m shifting my time to the A’s this season, and will focus my Halos MiLB watches more to those where they’re playing A’s and Pads affiliates.

On the other side of age 50 now, gotta find the joy where it comes.

FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

I’m hoping the Las Vegas thing does not blow up cuz I will be attending many games there while the A’s-Mariners rule the division.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

The A’s are definitely a fun squad. I watched quite a few of their games last year too as I went to plenty of games in Sacramento when I lived there.

I also love the A’s spring training home and will be attending yet another game there.

I’ll always love the Angels but it isn’t much fun being an Angels fan right now. The Reds, D’backs, and A’s had fun teams to watch last year so I watched them more often.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Jeff Joiner

It’s definitely been a grind watching games alone or on a laptop, with zero interest from the family. When my wife said she’d happily watch games with me again this season if it were the A’s, that clenched it.

Don’t like ownership, don’t like management, am bored by the roster, and the farm games at most affiliates are dreadful – at some point, you just have to switch the channel. It’s merely a decades-long habit at this point.

I’ll still inevitably have draft thoughts for the Angels, and keep an eye on the farm. One day there’ll be an ownership change and maybe a more serious roster refresh. So could always revisit the decision – but going to try something new this year.

Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 month ago

I would be happy to have Arte as the owner with the A’s organization and ability to identify and develop talent. The steady flow of minor league talent would keep things affordable and then he could add a few big splashes. The most frustrating thing for me is that he either doesn’t understand this or just doesn’t care. The fact that he can’t see that he inherited a pretty good organization that provided talent for the 1st 7 years and then when he dumped it all for his buddies things went south is just disturbing. I don’t care whether they’re your friends or not, he obviously doesn’t care that they are completely incompetent.

Last edited 1 month ago by Roy Hobbs
grichmanpoorman
Trusted Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

It would be fun to see the Halos take the big-fish approach to int’l FAs one year… blow half the wad one the top 3-4 players. Those guys don’t always (usually?) work out, but makes for a lively talking point and Top 100 list-fodder.

Turk's Teeth
Editor
Super Member
1 month ago

I rarely assess prospects on list-rankings – more on video, batted ball data, scouting reports and, when possible, actual game watching. I look at rankings as more of a way to tier players by profile to dig into further, and to establish some market value estimates to young prospects.

At the very top of the rankings, however, there’ve been plenty of success cases, though Latin kids are a more volatile group overall, given these are basically 9th/10th graders at signing.

Whatever the rankings, just based on what I’ve seen, Colome is the more exciting player imo than the Angels’ bonus baby Horton. Worthwhile risk the A’s are taking here.

FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Turk's Teeth

Good report. A’s keeping after it.

Fansince1971
Legend
1 month ago

Hey Jeff – are they counting “clicks” over there at SI? If so, should we all click on the article a bunch of times in support?

Pineapple12
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

They definitely do. Every media outlet tracks page visits, average stay time, ad clicks, etc.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Pineapple12

I wonder how much more it is than here.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

There are only so many Angels fans, but their SEO is pretty incredible.

After posting my Is Arte Poised To Sell piece I googled Arte and my piece was the first article on the page. Same with my Jo Adell piece.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Charles Sutton

I’ll never say I have fans. That is both not true and just doesn’t sound right.

I’m very fortunate that I run my actual and digital mouth a ton and it has led to some great opportunities for me.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  Fansince1971

They calculate engaged screen time. So simply taking some time scrolling through the articles is the best thing for me.

Thanks.

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago

First workout: Feb 11th (P&C’s). 27 days.

Biggiswrth
Trusted Member
1 month ago

I really felt Bud Black would make an excellent addition to our staff or front office. I’m sad we weren’t able to make that happen

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  Biggiswrth

we kept Marcel around for years – it would be nice to make it happen.

speaking of pitching coaches, is today the day Mr. CtPG realizes it’s spelt Maddux and not Maddox? Note that Greg Maddux is in HOF; it makes it easier (I get the spelling check autocorrection makes it challenging)

Last edited 1 month ago by RexFregosi
HalosFanForLife
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

What say you Mr. CtPG?  😅 

eating-popcorn-watching
Last edited 1 month ago by HalosFanForLife
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Probably not. Autocorrect could tell me my last name is spelled differently and I would question if I’ve been spelling it wrong this whole time. Who can stand up to all that technology?

2pints
Trusted Member
1 month ago

Interesting that you answered on behalf of ctpguy when you’re typically at odds with “him”. Did you just out yourself???  😉 

RexFregosi
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  2pints

did the intended target receive the message? confirmed.

HalosFanForLife
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Uh oh…

anxious
gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  2pints

If you think you might be CtPG Guy, you are likely CtPG Guy.

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend

Fk it. I’m just gonna call him Mannix

comment image

HalosFanForLife
Super Member
1 month ago

That was my dad’s favorite show.

HalosFanForLife
Super Member
1 month ago

This can’t be good Rex.

all-war
Roy Hobbs
Super Member
1 month ago
Reply to  2pints

That explains a lot doesn’t it.

clover_black
Super Member
1 month ago

Can we put names to Mr. CtPG because i see a lot of people talk about this Mystery Meat as a strawman but i’ve never seen him.

unless… am i…

gitchogritchoffmypettis
Legend
Reply to  clover_black

In the long run it’s likely better to use a “straw man” (this is, by the way, not what a straw man is) than to just come out and say “That stupid simpering cunt Jimmy just can’t let go of his pathetic creepy hatred for (insert player).” It would be even worse if you list all the manbaby morons you are thinking of. Then you get all the “no I didn’t! when did I!” bullshit. Then you get people trying to look up past comments to prove some stupid point.

When my point is simple. You’re all pretty stupid. And, as is the case here with Mannix/Maddux/Maddox, if you think you might be CtPG Guy you probably are.

FungoAle
Legend
1 month ago
Reply to  RexFregosi

Jimmy Reese, the patriarch for my home brew IPA

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