Tim Anderson's MLB career is off life-support, at least for now. The former White Sox batting champion and All-Star shortstop has made the Los Angeles Angels Opening Day roster, as the team selected his contract earlier today. Anderson will coincidentally return to the south side later this week as the Angels face the White Sox in Chicago for the season opener.
Anderson's Disastrous 2024 Season
Anderson's career has gone south for several years, but he sunk to rock bottom last year. After his White Sox tenure, Anderson signed a one-year/$5 million contract with the Miami Marlins in February 2024. His stint in Miami was unsuccessful, to say the least. Anderson was statistically one of the worst players in the major leagues last year. He didn't even last the entire 2024 season with the Marlins, as the team released him in early July. He did not appear in an MLB game after that.
New Beginning With Angels
Despite his struggles and being far removed from his last successful MLB stint, the Angels gave Anderson another chance when they signed him to a minor league contract this past January. It represented a fresh beginning and an opportunity for him to make the team. While not great, Anderson did enough to earn a roster spot. He enters the day hitting .263 this spring, including a home run and a double. Injuries to other players on the Angels roster also helped his cause. Anthony Rendon, Zach Neto, and former White Sox infielder Yoán Moncada are all injured to begin the season, paving the way for Anderson to make the team.
Anderson Must Prove He Belongs
Unlike his time with the White Sox, where he was guaranteed the starting shortstop job and spot at the top of the lineup, Anderson must prove himself. He will likely hit towards the bottom of the lineup and play all over the field defensively. This spring, he played second base and even some outfield. That added defensive versatility helped him earn a spot on the team.
While Anderson is back in the big leagues for now, he could have a short leash. Zach Neto, the Angels starting shortstop who had a great 2024 season, is expected to return from an offseason shoulder issue sometime in April. Former White Sox infielder Nicky Lopez also signed a contract with the team today and Yoán Moncada, who signed a one-year guaranteed contract with the Angels this past offseason, should also be back fairly soon as he recovers from a thumb issue. Anderson will likely have a relatively short window to prove that he can still play at a high level before he is on the chopping block. The Angels will have a logjam in the infield once their injured players return.
Final Word
Like former teammate Eloy Jiménez, Tim Anderson will have to earn everything he gets from here on out. Making the Angels' Opening Day roster is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for his career trajectory. He will still have to prove he belongs, however.
