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Early on in free agency, teams like the Los Angeles Angels are already active. They have, as of today, officially agreed to a one-year contract with Kevin Newman. Newman, a former Arizona Diamondbacks infielder, also has a club option for 2026 if things go well next season.
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Newman hit .278 in 288 at-bats for the Diamondbacks in 2024, adding three home runs, 28 RBI, and eight stolen bases. He also had a .686 OPS. The real value he brought was on defense, where he was a star shortstop.
Jon Heyman reported:
"Kevin Newman and the Angels have a deal. One year plus club option. Will Sammon and Sam Blum reported close."
The financial details were not revealed. Newman could be an option to start next season at shortstop for the Angels.
Zach Neto, 2024's breakout star, is nursing a shoulder injury and may not be ready for Opening Day. Fortunately, Newman graded out as a stellar defender, recording four Outs Above Average at shortstop in 111 total games played.
Angels GM wants more from Anthony Rendon
Whether or not players like Kevin Newman will be impactful remains to be seen. However, Los Angeles Angels GM Perry Minasian knows there's a player on his team now who can be impactful but hasn't been.
Anthony Rendon, who is amid a $245 million contract right now, has been plagued by injuries. Per FOX Sports, Minasian believes Rendon is the key:
"Anthony knows what type of player he is when he’s healthy. We need him healthy. We need him on the field. He knows that. He knows the expectations coming into camp.
"He's gonna have to come in and show us he can still play and earn the right to play every day. Are we a better team with Anthony Rendon on the field? Absolutely. Do we need a healthy Anthony Rendon that is that dynamic hitter in the box and one of the highest aptitudes as far as feel for the game playing today? Yes. We need it. He’s well aware of that."
Minasian believes Rendon knows what's at stake and believes that even years removed from his best season, he can be an impactful piece of their lineup in 2024. It will be interesting to see if that materializes as Rendon's contract is aging badly.
