Report: Angels claim Marc Krauss

Evan Drellich is reporting that the Angels claimed outfielder/first baseman, Marc Krauss, off waivers from the Houston Astros. The Angels have been on the lookout for bench bats this offseason, and Krauss should get a chance to earn a bench role in 2015.

Krauss has appeared in 119 games with the Astros over the last two seasons, with the majority of starts coming in the outfield. Krauss’ numbers have been poor offensively at the big league level, batting .200 across 320 career at bats, while posting a .274 on base percentage, and slugging .341. Krauss does possess some pop however, clubbing 10 home runs and driving in 34 runs.

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The Angels are likely much more impressed with Krauss’ Triple-A numbers over the past two seasons. The 27-year-old has hit .284 in 412 at bats, while posting a .388 on base percentage, and slugging .469. Krauss has hit 15 home runs and drove in 77 runs combined over the last two seasons with Oklahoma City. Krauss was utilized mostly at first base during his time in OKC, but that likely has more to do with the plethora of top notch outfield prospects in the ‘Stros system.

Krauss checks the boxes of what the Angels were looking for in a bench bat. He is left handed, and can play multiple positions. Working against Krauss are his numbers with the Astros over the last two years, but his minor league numbers suggest Krauss can swing the stick a little bit. Krauss is not know for his athleticism, and likely will not find much work as a pinch runner with the Angels next season. His defense at first base is reported to be an upgrade over current backup first baseman, C.J. Cron.

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I personally think Marc Krauss will get a look next spring in Tempe, but I doubt he factors too heavily into the Halos plans for 2015. In my opinion, Krauss is a lesser hitter than Cron, and is a less athletic outfielder than recently acquired, Daniel Robertson. If Krauss can show some life in his bat next spring, he would be a welcome addition to the Angels bench. But, if he cannot put together a decent spring, he will likely start the campaign in Salt Lake City. At the very least Krauss provides the Halos with valuable depth at first base, and both corner outfield spots.