The Angels have designated catcher Matt Thaiss for task, per Invoice Shaikin of the Los Angeles Occasions on X. That’s the corresponding transfer for the membership signing infielder Kevin Newman, as was reported earlier.
Thaiss, 30 in Might, now appears more likely to depart the Angels for the primary time in his skilled profession. He was their first spherical choose in 2016, getting chosen sixteenth total. Although he was a catcher in faculty, the Angels valued him extra for his offensive skills and instantly moved him to a nook infield position upon drafting him. He continued to point out good expertise with a bat in his fingers as he labored his manner in direction of the majors, hitting .279/.363/.445 for a 117 wRC+ throughout a number of minor league ranges from 2016 to 2019.
However that manufacturing didn’t translate to the main leagues when he was promoted. He hit .202 /.291/.405 in 2019 and 2020, his first 189 plate appearances within the huge leagues. The Halos had a reasonably crowded group of men battling for taking part in time on the infield corners and designated hitter again then, together with Shohei Ohtani, Jared Walsh, Anthony Rendon and Albert Pujols, in order that they determined in 2021 to maneuver Thaiss again behind the plate.
His main league offense nonetheless hasn’t developed as hoped. He’s now as much as 771 profession plate appearances with a .208/.313/.342 line, 29.3% strikeout price and 83 wRC+. That’s truly not dangerous by backup catcher requirements. Catchers total are usually roughly 10% under common on the plate, together with a league-wide 91 wRC+ for backstops in 2024. However his protection hasn’t been particularly nicely regarded, maybe unsurprising for a man who was away from the place for a couple of years.
On prime of that lackluster efficiency, Thaiss has exhausted his choice years, which means he may not be simply despatched to the minors. The Angels have seen Logan O’Hoppe emerge as their main catcher they usually simply introduced in Travis d’Arnaud to function a veteran complement for the subsequent two years. Given all these components, Thaiss was squeezed off the roster and maybe to a different membership for the primary time in his profession.
DFA limbo can last as long as per week however the waiver course of takes 48 hours, which means the Angels can have 5 days to see if there’s any commerce curiosity from different groups. His main league monitor document is clearly not too spectacular but it surely’s attainable there will likely be curiosity regardless. Catching assist is nearly at all times in demand and it’s additionally attainable some workforce thinks they may also help Thaiss unlock one thing on the plate if they’ve him hand over on the catching factor altogether. His 12.6% stroll price up to now in his profession is sort of sturdy, however he has struck out rather a lot and hasn’t carried out a lot harm when he does put the bat on the ball.
Thaiss simply crossed three years of service time in 2024, which means he’s eligible for arbitration for the primary time this winter. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz initiatives him for a $1.3MM wage subsequent 12 months, not a lot above the $760K league minimal. If any membership acquires him by way of commerce or a waiver declare, he can theoretically be retained via 2027 by way of arbitration, although that coming to fruition could be contingent on him taking a step ahead by way of his efficiency.
Groups just like the Rays, Blue Jays, Padres, Rockies, Marlins, Cubs, Reds, Braves and others may very well be looking out for catching assist this offseason. If any of them view Thaiss as a viable choice, they’ll be calling the Angels within the coming days. Or as talked about, maybe some membership is intrigued sufficient by the walks or the minor league monitor document to view Thaiss as a possible late-blooming hitter.
