Free agent Tim Anderson heads to Southern California to revive his career: report

The Los Angeles Angels and free agent shortstop Tim Anderson face a similar situation. The Angels are looking to rebound from their 99-loss 2024 season, the worst in franchise history. Anderson wants to recover from the worst season of his professional career.

To recap: Anderson, a two-time All-Star, signed with the Miami Marlins in February 2024 and was released from his contract in July. In 65 games, the former American League batting champion hit .214 with just three extra-base hits, seven walks and 68 strikeouts in 241 plate appearances.

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On Wednesday, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that Anderson will get another chance – this time with a minor league contract with the Angels.

Just three years removed from the last of his two All-Star seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Anderson is a possible infield depth player for a team that could trade both center field positions to young players in 2025.

The Angels have 23-year-old Zach Neto at shortstop, who had a groundbreaking 5 bWAR season in 2024. The Angels’ 2023 first-round draft pick underwent right shoulder surgery after last season. Anderson could be a veteran insurance option if he surprises in camp and Neto needs extra time to recover.

The Angels’ first-round draft pick a year ago, second baseman Christian Moore, rocketed up the minor league rankings in 2024 and hit .322/.378/ in a 23-game cameo at Double-A last year. .533.

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Moore may not be the favorite for the Angels’ starting second base spot in spring training, but the team has a reputation for aggressively developing its top young prospects. In any case, having Anderson in the team around Moore and Neto could be beneficial for the organization as it looks to develop its future midfield.

Anderson rose to stardom in Chicago over eight seasons (2016-23). He batted an American League-leading .335 in 2019 and posted a career-high 140 OPS+ in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

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In 2021, Anderson made his first AL All-Star team by slashing .309/.338/.469 (118 OPS+) as the White Sox won 93 games.

But in the 2022 season, Anderson’s hard-hit percentage declined, a trend that continued into 2023. As a free agent a year ago, the White Sox moved on while Anderson joined the Marlins, who reside in the basement of the NL East.

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Anderson’s advanced fielding skills declined in Miami along with his bat. Enter Angels manager Ron Washington, who has been considered the best infielder coach in baseball since his time with the “Moneyball” A’s.

Anaheim could be just the place for Anderson to revive his career.

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