Tim Anderson Has Found A New Home

Tim Anderson has a new home. The longtime White Sox shortstop signed with the Los Angeles Angels on a minor league contract this morning, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Anderson will head west and pair up with Angels manager and infield guru Ron Washington in what could be the final opportunity to resurrect his MLB career.

Anderson's Decline

Anderson's demise has been well documented. After a successful run as the White Sox's starting shortstop during which he won a batting title, Silver Slugger, and made two All-Star teams, Anderson's performance declined drastically in 2023. In 123 games that season, he hit just .245 and was 38% worse than the MLB average offensively. The White Sox parted ways with him after the season, allowing him to reach free agency instead of exercising their 2024 team option. It represented the end of an era for both parties.

Anderson then signed with the Miami Marlins last offseason on a one-year/$5 million contract. The hope was that a change of scenery would be what he needed to get his career back on track. Unfortunately, that was not the case. He was even worse statistically in Miami than in his final season with Chicago. Given their minimal commitment to him, the Marlins DFAed and released him in early July last year. Anderson had been without a team ever since until the news broke today.

New Opportunity

Now 31 years old and several seasons removed from his most recent successful MLB sample size, Anderson must prove himself in spring training to earn a spot on the Angels opening day roster. His circumstances are similar to former White Sox teammate Eloy Jiménez, who signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this winter. Gone are the days of big paydays for both. They will have to earn their next MLB opportunities.

Angels Crowded Infield Situation

Anderson enters a fairly crowded infield situation with the Angels. Their starting shortstop last season, Zach Neto, had a strong 2024 season. Veteran infielders Luis Rengifo and Kevin Newman are also a factor in their infield. Anderson's best hope to make the Angels big league roster might be at second base or potentially a utility player who can play multiple positions.

Tim Anderson's Last Chance

It was unimaginable just a few years ago that Tim Anderson's career would fall apart so quickly. He went from being an integral part of the White Sox core of the early 2020s to fighting for his MLB career within the span of a couple years. The Angels and White Sox face off on Opening Day on March 27th, so Anderson could have his revenge series immediately. That is, if he even makes the Angels roster out of spring training.