TEMPE, Ariz. -- With the signing of veteran Adam Frazier to a Minor League contract that became official on Tuesday, the Angels added some competition to their infield mix this spring.
The Angels have three locks in their infield with Zach Neto at shortstop, Nolan Schanuel at first base and Yoán Moncada at third. But the starting job at second base is open and there are two utility roles to fill as well.
The Angels would love to see youngster Christian Moore take charge and win the job at second, but made sure to give him some competition at the position with several acquisitions to bolster their infield.
Here’s a look at the club’s options in the infield with three spots open:
Christian Moore
Moore, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, has plenty of potential and showed flashes of it last year with some key hits, but ultimately batted .198/.284/.370 with seven homers and 16 RBIs in 53 games. He’ll need to cut down on his strikeout rate of 33.7 percent moving forward and he still has room to improve defensively. The 23-year-old is also expected to see some time at third this spring, but his goal is to be the starter at second. But with the signings of Taylor and Frazier, Moore will have to earn it, and there’s a chance he could be sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake for more seasoning.
Adam Frazier
Frazier is a good fit for the lineup because he hits left-handed and he makes contact. The Angels struck out more than any other club last year and they lack left-handed bats outside of Schanuel, the switching-hitting Moncada and outfielder Josh Lowe. Frazier, an All-Star with the Pirates in 2021, slashed .267/.319/.365 with seven homers and 44 RBIs in 134 games with the Pirates and Royals in ‘25. He also struck out in 17.6 percent of his at-bats, which was under the league average of 22.2 percent. He has extensive experience at second base and in both corner outfield spots, as well as limited time at third base. The 33-year-old could either win the second base job over Moore or make the club as a utilityman. His contract also has an opt-out before the start of the season.
Vaughn Grissom
Grissom, who was once traded by the Red Sox to the Braves for ace Chris Sale in 2023, had a tough time in Boston but is hoping a change of scenery will do him some good. He was acquired in a trade that sent outfield prospect Isaiah Jackson to the Red Sox in December. He didn't play in the Majors last year, but hit a combined .255/.309/.346 with five homers and 33 RBIs in 95 games from 2022-24 with Atlanta and Boston. Grissom, 25, has played second and short in the Majors but also has experience at third and in left field in the Minors. He’s out of Minor League options, so if he doesn’t make the team he’d be exposed to waivers.
Oswald Peraza
Like Grissom, Peraza is also out of options, so the Angels could be at risk of losing him via waivers if he doesn’t make the club. But there is a scenario where both make the team, especially if Moore starts in the Minors. The Angels acquired Peraza from the Yankees at last year's Trade Deadline and he hit .186/.245/.267 with two homers and six stolen bases in 34 games down the stretch. He’s a strong defender who can play all over the diamond but is a career .189/.260/.282 hitter in 180 games in parts of four seasons in the big leagues.
Chris Taylor
Taylor, signed to a Minor League deal on Thursday, rejoined the Angels after his stint with the club last year that saw him fracture his hand twice and bat .179 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 30 games. A 12-year veteran with a career .248/.327/.419 slash line, the 35-year-old has the most experience out of all the infielders. He also has an opt-out like Frazier.
Nick Madrigal
Madrigal, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 Draft, missed all of last year after fracturing his left shoulder in Spring Training. But he’s healthy now and is a career .274/.323/.344 hitter in parts of five years with the White Sox and Cubs. Madrigal, 28, can play both second and third and is an extreme contact hitter. Madrigal, though, hits right-handed, and signings of Frazier and Taylor this week hurt his chances of making the club.