Angels Rumors: Former World Series winner and 3x All-Star first baseman fits LAA well

The Angels appear to be all done with their roster spending, but there are a few cheap, yet intriguing, free agents left who they should consider. One is Anthony Rizzo, who is looking to bounce-back from his past couple seasons with the Yankees that were filled with injuries and poor on-field numbers. Signing Rizzo would in no way effect Nolan Schanuel's playing time, and could easily elicit an uptick in performance out of the 23-year-old whom the Angels drafted with the 11th pick of the 2023 MLB Draft.

Jeff Fletcher of The OC Register discussed how Schanuel's backup remains unclear at the moment: "The next two on the depth chart are Ryan Noda and Niko Kavadas, but it’s going to be difficult for the Angels to keep either of them on the bench because they don’t play any other infield positions. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud could play first occasionally, perhaps if the Angels are facing a tough lefty, Washington said."

Should the Angels sign former World Series winner, 3x All-Star, and 4x Gold Glove winning first baseman, Anthony Rizzo?

Rizzo, like Noda and Kavadas, is a left-handed bat who does not play another infield position. Signing Rizzo would potentially even take away Christian Moore's roster spot. However, what Rizzo could provide off the field -- leadership, makeup, positive clubhouse vibes, another veteran presence -- could be incredibly valuable for the Angels. With regards to Noda and Kavadas, they have minor league options remaining, were already long-shots to make the team, and do not have nearly the same level of resumé or intangibles as Rizzo. The 36-year-old d'Arnaud will be already taking up the grueling task of catching multiple games a week, and only has 21 career games as a first baseman. Moore looks ready for the majors and could still make the team if the Angels sign Rizzo, as Zach Neto will likely begin the season on the injured list.

A potential Angels lineup and bench group, plus Rizzo, on Opening Day:

vs. RHPs:
1. Ward—7
2. Trout—9
3. Schanuel*—3
4. Soler—DH
5. O’Hoppe—2
6. Moncada**—5
7. Moore—4
8. Newman—6
9. Moniak*—8
Bench: Adell, Rizzo*, d’Arnaud, Rengifo**
* -- left-handed hitter
** -- switch-hitter
Injured List: Neto

The list of acquisitions Perry Minasian made this offseason is entirely comprised of veterans. That was not accidental. The logic was that they could come in, contribute to winning, and, crucially, mentor their young core of players while doing so. Signing Rizzo would be a continuation of that reasoning.

Travis d'Arnaud? We'll give you two-years, $12 million to catch, but take Logan O'Hoppe under your wing too. Jorge Soler? You're our every-day DH, but teach some of our guys your routine in the cages and your mentality at the plate. Kevin Newman? Take shortstop duties while Neto rehabs, then help him become even better defensively when he returns. Kenley Jansen? Yes, come close games for us and bolster your Hall of Fame case, but mentor Ben Joyce along the way. Kyle Hendricks, who won a World Series with Rizzo and was his teammate for 7.5 seasons in Chicago? Come salvage your career in Anaheim, but please, professor, show our youngsters like José Soriano, Reid Detmers, and Jack Kochanowicz how to prepare for outings and manage obstacles during games.

You know who does not have a mentor at his position to help bring him along? Nolan Schanuel, who is maturing but could definitely use an adviser to keep him in check and spell him when he needs an off-day. Rizzo is the ideal player to fill that role.

Rizzo does not want to "undervalue himself" according to Ken Rosenthal, which most likely means he will not sign a minor league contract anytime soon. Should the Angels present him with a major league contract, coupled with the premise of reuniting with Hendricks, he would be hard-pressed to find a better situation heading into the 2025 season.

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