Moncada is back for a second season with the Halos. It’s a contract similar to the $5 million deal he signed last February. Moncada played quite well when healthy, but missed a third of the season due to a few injured stints. A right thumb sprain and inflammation in his right knee kept him out of action for most of the first half. He played in only 36 games before the All-Star break, although he was available for the entire second half.
Moncada was once the top prospect in the MLB. He had a few star-level performances with the White Sox in 2019 and ’21, but didn’t become the franchise player they expected when they signed him to a $70 million extension during spring training 2020. Moncada combined for a .234/.288/.386 batting line from 2022-2023. He barely played in ’24 due to a serious adductor (groin) injury, and the White Sox had an easy decision to buy him out for $5 million instead of a $25 million club option.
A switch hitter, Moncada was better from the left side of the plate throughout his career. The Angels were mainly platooned last year, as he played just 27 at-bats against lefties. He will see most of the playing time at third base, but could give up some at-bats against lefties, with options for right-hitting Vaughn Grissom and Denzer Guzman for at-bats.
Grissom, acquired from the Red Sox in a buy-low trade during the Winter Meetings, is a better fit at second base. The Angels will likely give former first-round pick Christian Moore another look at the cornerstone position, but he struggled to a .198/.284/.370 line in his first 53 MLB games. Moore has just 30 games of Triple-A experience and could need more time in the minors. Grissom is out of options and will be on the big league roster in some capacity. Former top prospect Oswald Peraza is also out of options, but appears less certain he won’t be cleared for waivers during spring training.
The Angels have signed five MLB free agent contracts this offseason, all on one-year deals. Kirby Yates, Drew Pomeranz, Jordan Romano and Alek Manoah came on board for $5 million or less. They have spent a combined $16.95 million this season without taking any steps beyond 2026. Grid source now calculates their payroll around $180 million, about $13 million south of where they opened the ’25 season. They need to add at least one more starter and would ideally upgrade in center field, where Josh Lowe, Bryce Teodosio and Wade Meckler are the best options.
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