Grading the LA Angels 2016 Free Agents & Acquisitions

Geovany Soto – The Angels’ catcher position was a question mark going into the season. The Angels only had Carlos Perez, who lacked experience, and Jett Bandy, who lacked even more experience, going into the season. GM Billy Eppler believed that the Angels needed a veteran catcher who can mentor and split reps with Perez and Bandy. Insert Geovany Soto.

To not make this acquisition a total failure, when Soto is healthy, he preforms admirably for the Angels. In 26 total games played this season, Soto has a batting average of .269 and a OPS of .809 which can fool fans at times. He also was the NL Rookie of the Year winner in 2008 with the Chicago Cubs which offered much promise.

But, as you may notice, Soto has only played in 26 games this season. Soto has been on the DL multiple times this season and it comes at no surprise. Soto has been known for being injury proned throughout his career and GM Billy Eppler took a risk and the risk has backfired for the Angels.

Ironically, since Soto has been injured for most of the season, it has allowed the Angels to give Jett Bandy some playing time and Bandy has flourished since then. It is Bandy’s job to lose going into next season as the Angels starting catcher.

GM Billy Eppler’s plan for Soto and splitting reps with other catchers has mostly backfired for the Halos this season. He has seen the DL multiple times this season and has not offered the Angels much of anything. However, Soto only signed a 1 Yr/ $2.8 million contract and is set to see free agency next year. A typical “prove it” contract that didn’t work out.

Final Verdict – D

Next: Craig Gentry