LA Angels Sign Jared Hoying to Bolster Outfield

The LA Angels have their starting outfield for the foreseeable future. However, that did not stop Billy Eppler and Co. from signing veteran outfielder Jared Hoying to a minor league deal on Tuesday.

The LA Angels are expected to be big players in free agency this offseason. However, Billy Eppler has made small moves throughout his tenure with the Angels, and some have proven to be key role players. Bud Norris, Blake Parker, and Yusmeiro Petit were all under-the-radar additions that went on to be studs in 2017. The Halos are hoping Hoying can add huge depth in the outfield.

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Hoying, 28, has been with the Texas Rangers so far in his career. He is the prototypical player who succeeds in the minor leagues but just cannot put it together in the big leagues (Kaleb Cowart, anyone?).

He has shown flashes throughout both his minor league and major league career. In the minors, he has shown legit 25 home run and 20 stolen bases potential. However, he has struggled with his plate discipline throughout his career. He has an alarming strikeout ratio, while also struggling against any decent breaking balls.

In terms of what Hoying brings to the Halos, it is a low-risk, potentially exceptional reward move. The former tenth round pick out of Toledo University signed a minimum deal. He will likely start the season with the Triple-A Salt Lake City Bees. However, if he can prove to be an efficient fourth outfielder, the Halos will be more than happy.

While Hoying is a left-handed batter (something the Halos desperately need), he is the rare case that succeeds more so against left-handed pitchers rather than righties. The Halos may also be hoping for a late stride from Hoying. If he can provide a .250 batting average and .300 on-base percentage for the Halos in 2018, they will be more than happy.

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While he is not a Yu Darvish or Mike Moustakas, Hoying could bring value to the Halos next season, and is definitely a name worth watching when Spring Training comes around.