The Los Angeles Angels made a significant off-season acquisition by signing free agent third baseman Yoan Moncada to a one-year, $5 million contract. Though this news originally broke through The New York Post, it was later confirmed by ESPN sources. As the Angels gear up for the 2025 season, this roster addition marks a pivotal moment, particularly as the team re-evaluates its infield situation, previously punctuated by the inconsistent performance of Anthony Rendon.
Anthony Rendon, once celebrated for his exceptional fielding and batting prowess, has struggled to live up to the expectations placed upon him since signing a whopping seven-year, $245 million contract in December 2019. With injuries hampering his ability to contribute consistently—having played only a fraction of the games during his tenure—the Angels cannot rely on him as they shape their future. Over the last four seasons, Rendon’s output has been lackluster, underscored by a meager .666 OPS, raising the question of his viability as a regular starter.
The addition of Moncada presents a clear signal that the Angels are moving on from the Rendon era. Although he may still get the occasional nod on the team, the path to significant playing time for Rendon has narrowed considerably. He may serve as a backup at third base and on rare occasions swap in for the lefty Nolan Schanuel at first base against left-handed pitchers, but the overall uncertainty surrounding his health and performance looms large.
At 29, Yoan Moncada enters this chapter of his career with a strong desire to reclaim his status as one of baseball’s promising talents. Once a top prospect in the Red Sox organization, Moncada’s impressive breakout season in 2019 raised expectations. However, his subsequent performance—the .236 batting average and .291 on-base percentage over the past three years—has not matched that initial promise. Adding insult to injury, Moncada’s participation in the game has also been hindered, as he managed to play in only a 12-game season with the Chicago White Sox last year, largely due to an adductor strain.
Despite these setbacks, joining the Angels offers Moncada a fresh start and a chance to prove his mettle once again. In addition to giving him the opportunity to show his skills at third base, the Angels could employ him as a valuable piece in other areas of the lineup, including the designated hitter position.
Moncada’s signing plays an integral part in an offseason filled with strategic acquisitions. The Angels have also made headlines by trading for corner outfielder Jorge Soler and signing pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. Collectively, these additions enhance the flexibility of the lineup and provide a cushion against injuries, particularly given Rendon’s long history with physical ailments including oblique, back, and knee issues.
General manager Perry Minasian emphasized the importance of diversifying and strengthening the roster, making it clear that the organization aims not only to survive but to thrive. As he remarked during the winter meetings, “We have to be open to at least looking at that spot and seeing if there are other alternatives that will make us better.” It’s evident that Minasian and the Angels are committed to constructing a more resilient team capable of contending.
With the addition of Yoan Moncada, the Los Angeles Angels are taking measured steps towards a more balanced and healthy roster. While Rendon’s future remains uncertain, the influx of talent could facilitate a more dynamic lineup and give the Angels a fighting chance in the upcoming season. Moncada’s ambition to reclaim his former glory, coupled with the Angels’ willingness to adapt, creates an intriguing synergy that fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch unfold. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, the true test will be whether these strategic moves can help alleviate the longstanding issues and propel the Angels back to competitive prominence.