Bourjos, Hudson highlight Halos' NRIs

Fellow vets Jennings, Parker also vying for Opening Day roster spots

February 25th, 2019

TEMPE, Ariz. -- The downside of signing a veteran to a Minor League deal is minimal for clubs, as the risk is minimal with the player not taking up a 40-man roster spot until he proves he’s worthy of one.

The Angels added to their depth this offseason, signing several players to Minor League deals with invites to Spring Training. A few of those players have a legitimate chance to crack the Opening Day roster, so here’s a look at notable non-roster invitees in Angels camp:

2018 stats: 3-2, 4.11 ERA, 44 Ks, 18 BBs, 6 HR, 46 IP with the Dodgers

The Angels signed Hudson on Feb. 8 after watching him throw a bullpen session in front of several scouts in Arizona. The 31-year-old was solid with the Dodgers last year, overcoming a rocky start to post a 3.19 ERA over his final 36 appearances, but ultimately was shut down in late August after experiencing forearm tightness. But Hudson, who has undergone Tommy John surgery twice, said he's fully healthy and had a normal offseason. The nine-year veteran still throws hard with a fastball that averaged 95.4 mph last year and leans heavily on his slider as his out pitch. Hudson would make $1.5 million if he makes the roster with another $1.5 million in incentives.

2018 stats: 4-5, 3.22 ERA, 45 Ks, 23 BBs, 6 HR, 64 1/3 IP with the Brewers

Jennings, 31, signed with the Angels exactly a week after Hudson, but has the advantage of being a lefty reliever, which is something the club is short on this season. The only other lefty reliever on the 40-man roster is Williams Jerez after the trade of Jose Alvarez to the Phillies this offseason, and Jerez isn’t expected to make the club. Jennings had strong numbers last year, but isn't a hard thrower with a fastball that averaged 91.1 mph to go along with his slider. But he possesses an above-average ground-ball rate, which can be a key trait for relievers who come in with runners on base. Jennings will earn $1 million if he makes the team with up to $500,000 in incentives.

2018 stats: .205/.239/.364, 1 HR, 2 2B, 1 3B, 4 RBIs, 5 runs in 36 games with the Braves

Bourjos, 31, is back with his original club, as he played with the Angels from 2010-13 before being traded to the Cardinals. He’s competing for the fourth outfielder job with prospect Michael Hermosillo and holds a slight edge because Hermosillo could benefit from playing every day at Triple-A Salt Lake. Bourjos can also play all three outfield positions and could come in as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner given his speed.

2018 stats: Did not play

Parker is more of a long-shot to make the team after not playing in 2018 after breaking his collarbone late in Spring Training with the Giants, but is intriguing because of his left-handed power. Parker is a career .257/.335/.456 hitter with 15 homers and 51 RBIs in 135 games with the Giants from 2015-17. But metrics paint him as a below-average outfielder and he can’t play center field. He’s more likely to be depth at Triple-A Salt Lake after his long layoff, but the Angels could use some left-handed power off the bench.