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Angels could buy Christian Moore time with a Gleyber Torres free agency gamble

A bridge option for the infield?
ByBrian Burrows
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Aug 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) hits an RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Aug 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) hits an RBI double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Angels spent the 8th pick in the 2024 draft on second baseman Christian Moore. In typical Halos fashion, they rushed him to the majors, and he made his debut in June of 2025. He was fine, hitting below .200 but had an OPS in the mid-600s.

Moore spent most of 2026 in the minors, but did get a quick stint in the majors in June, and then was called back up in late August. The 24-year-old really struggled this season. He had a .528 OPS and was worth -1.3 bWAR. He played really well in the minors this season, with a .302 batting average and an OPS over .900, but it didn't translate.

Even though he played well in Triple-A this season, Moore's performance in the majors suggests he could use another season in the minors. That would mean the Angels should be looking for someone outside the organization to play second, and The Athletics's Jim Bowden suggested a perfect player.

The former GM released his free agent contract and team predictions, and listed the Angels as a fit for second baseman Gleyber Torres. He also predicted Torres would receive a two-year, $42 million contract. For two seasons, Torres could be the perfect stopgap for Moore to get more seasoned in the minors.  

Gleyber Torres has all the markers of a great signing for the Angels

Torres is coming off a season in which he was limited to 96 games due to injuries. He was still able to produce 2.0 bWAR in 2026, though. Giving the soon-to-be 30-year-old a two-year deal, potentially with the second year as a player option or mutual option, to rebuild his value would be the perfect type of add for the Angels' situation.

The former Yankee and Tiger has always shown a solid mix of power and on-base ability. Especially in the last four seasons, Torres has had walk rates of 9.8% or higher, and 20+ doubles with 15+ home runs in his full seasons. With L.A. unlikely to be ready to compete in the next season or two, giving a player with the upside of Torres a shot at rebuilding his value isn't bad business. The Angels reportedly tried to sign him in 2024.

The one risk of signing Torres is that he is only a second baseman. Torres has only played as the No. 4 on the diamond the last four seasons. If Moore is ready this season, he may have to play out of his natural position for the remainder of the season.

Those are logistical problems that can be figured out down the road, though. Torres seems like a great fit for what the Angels need in the short term. At his best, he can be a plus hitter in the lineup, and if he can't stay healthy or can't find his form, it's not a long-term contract. Moore needs more time in the minors, and Torres can make that happen.

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