The Los Angeles Angels are playing the waiting game, hoping a top-tier pitcher like Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, or Zac Gallen might miraculously become available as spring training nears. But while keeping an eye on those possibilities, they've also taken a calculated risk on a former Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect who completely transformed his career overseas. This is where it gets interesting...
According to New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Angels have signed right-handed pitcher Aneurys Zabala to a minor-league contract. It's a low-risk, high-reward move, and here's why it might just pay off.
Zabala, now 29 years old, spent the last two seasons pitching in Japan for the Nippon Ham Fighters. And it was there that he seemingly unlocked his full potential. In 2024, across 16 appearances, Zabala boasted an impressive 1.20 ERA (Earned Run Average). Even more impressively, he struck out over 24% of the batters he faced. That's a significant improvement from his earlier days.
Now, let's be realistic: Zabala's Major League experience is limited. He's only appeared in two MLB games, both in 2022 with the Miami Marlins. But in those brief outings, he didn't give up a single run and struck out two of the eleven hitters he faced. And this is the part most people miss... What truly caught the Angels' attention was Zabala's fastball, which has reportedly reached triple digits on the radar gun. That raw power is something you can't teach, and it's a clear indication of why the Angels are willing to take a chance.
Zabala's journey to this point hasn't been a straight line. He initially signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2014 and then moved around to different organizations, including two stints with the Dodgers, although he never progressed beyond the Double-A level within their system. But his time in Japan seems to have been the catalyst for significant improvement. Perhaps the change of scenery and different coaching styles allowed him to refine his mechanics and develop a more effective approach.
The fact that Zabala is coming in on a deal that likely includes an invitation to spring training highlights a significant shift in the Angels' bullpen. The team is moving on from Kenley Jansen, a future Hall of Famer, who signed with the Detroit Tigers this offseason. His departure leaves a considerable void at the back end of the bullpen. This is where things get controversial...
To address that need, the Angels have brought in veterans like Kirby Yates and Drew Pomeranz to provide stability. Pomeranz, a left-handed specialist, had a successful stint with the Chicago Cubs last summer. Yates, despite some challenges with the Dodgers last year, is a strong candidate to become the team's closer. But is that enough? Some analysts would argue that the Angels still need more high-upside arms in the bullpen.
If Zabala performs well in spring training, it's highly likely that he will earn a spot on the Angels' Opening Day roster. His potential to throw a high-velocity fastball, combined with his recent success in Japan, makes him an intriguing option for the bullpen. However, it's important to remember that spring training performance doesn't always translate to regular-season success. Could Zabala be the unexpected gem the Angels desperately need, or will this be just another minor-league signing that doesn't pan out? What do you think? Is this gamble worth the risk, or should the Angels focus on acquiring more proven talent? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
