3 LA Angels players in danger of getting booted off of 40-man roster

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The Los Angeles Angels finally made a move that Angels fans can be proud of, inking Robert Stephenson to a three-year deal. There're some concerns that come with a deal like that for a pitcher without a lengthy track record of success, but if he pitches anywhere close to as well as he did for the Rays down the stretch last season, the deal becomes a bargain for the Angels.

Stephenson will play a huge role in the Angels bullpen, likely setting up for closer Carlos Estevez. He could be next in line to take over for Estevez if the Angels closer takes his season-ending struggles into 2024.

When the Stephenson signing becomes official, the Angels are going to have to remove a player from their 40-man roster, as it currently has 40 players on it. These three make the most logical sense.

3) Austin Warren

It's unfortunate, because Austin Warren is currently recovering after undergoing Tommy John Surgery last May. He got it alongside Jose Quijada as the Angels had to test their bullpen depth early.

Normally, when players are out for a long time they're put on the 60-day IL. That removes them from the 40-man roster, allowing the team to put a healthy player on it. Well, the 60-day IL isn't a thing in the offseason, meaning players like Warren and Jose Quijada are currently on the Angels' 40-man.

While the Angels would love to keep him on the 40-man just to put him on the 60-man when first allowed, they need to get rid of somebody to make room on the 40-man for Stephenson. It feels like Warren has a legitimate shot at being that guy.

The right-hander looked like he might have a future in the Angels bullpen after pitching really well in 16 appearances back in 2021, but his struggles the following year led to him being removed from the 40-man. He bounced back in 2023, pitching well in Spring Training and the minors before earning a call-up, but he got hurt after just two appearances. It's really unlucky, but Warren hasn't shown enough to warrant staying on the 40-man right now.

Chances are, due to his injury, he'll clear waivers and remain in the Angels organization. That's certainly what the team will hope, as his depth can come in handy once he's healthy.

2) Alfonso Rivas

The Angels made a bit of a mysterious waiver claim back in December, claiming Alfonso Rivas off of waivers from the Guardians. While adding depth is always fine, it's hard to envision this player actually being impactful at all on the Angels.

First things first, Rivas is a first baseman. The Angels have Nolan Schanuel ready to go as their starter there, with players like Brandon Drury, Trey Cabbage, Matt Thaiss, and even Anthony Rendon able to back him up if needed. All of those players are on the 40-man roster, and all four of them present as better options to play at first base if needed.

Second, he simply hasn't done much when given the opportunity in the majors. He's slashed 243/.324/.349 with seven home runs and 43 RBI in 459 MLB plate appearances across three seasons. He can get on base a decent amount, but doesn't hit enough, especially for a first baseman.

Rivas has already played for three MLB teams in his three MLB seasons, and has gone onto waivers twice this offseason. He's been wanted because he's done well in the minors, but hasn't stuck in the majors. It'd be surprising to see the Angels keep him around when they have more appealing depth options at the position. Whether he goes for this signing or one in the future, it's hard to envision Rivas being on the Angels' 40-man roster when the team arrives at Spring Training.

1) Livan Soto

This one is a bit sad, as it looked like Livan Soto might have some sort of a future with the Angels. After never hitting much in the minors, he came up in 2022 when the Angels were out of it in September and recorded 22 hits in 55 at-bats (.400 average). He was a bright spot in what was a brutal season.

While Soto wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster in 2023, that hot stretch made him a potentially valuable depth piece. Unfortunately, Soto struggled in the minors leading him to be demoted from AAA to AA at one point.

The Angels did wind up promoting Soto a couple of times due to the bevy of injuries the team suffered, but he had just two hits in nine at-bats in his four MLB appearances this past season. The simple reality when it comes to Soto is the Angels have many more appealing middle infield options than him.

Brandon Drury and Zach Neto are the starters in the middle infield with players like Kyren Paris, Michael Stefanic, and Luis Rengifo all on the 40-man roster with the ability to play both second base and shortstop when needed. That's not even including players who aren't on the 40-man roster like Charles Leblanc and Richie Martin who were signed to minor league deals this offseason and might be better prepared to succeed at the MLB level.

Soto's age (23) might keep him on the 40-man roster for now, but his ability being subpar will eventualy catch up to him.

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Robert Stephenson signing puts these 3 Angels players in danger of getting booted from the 40-man roster

3) Austin Warren

2) Alfonso Rivas

1) Livan Soto

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