Report: Angels bring back Matt Moore on a 1-year Deal
Jan 25, 2024 - Written by Bryan Whitfield
Photo Credit: @mlbtraderumors - Twitter/X
The Angels bring back Matt Moore on a 1-year Deal
The Los Angeles Angels are making some moves ahead of the 2024 season, as they recently decided to bring back left-handed pitcher Matt Moore on a one-year, $9M deal. The deal, not currently official, will bring Moore back into a much improved bullpen after he was put on waivers by the team last August. Moore previously pitched for the team in the 2023 season and is set to rejoin the Angels bullpen, further bolstering their bullpen.
Matt Moore's return to the Angels' roster is not surprising considering his impactful performance during the 2023 season. Moore showcased his experience and skill, quickly proving himself as an invaluable asset in the bullpen. In the 2023 season, Moore appeared in 48.2 innings of work where he held a 2.56 ERA between the Angels, Guardians and Marlins. His steady pitching and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations were instrumental in securing crucial victories for the team. Moore's consistency and reliability made him a fan favorite and was one of the bright spots in the Angels bullpen last season.
The decision to bring Moore back is a strategic move by the Angels front office, demonstrating a commitment to fortify their bullpen with seasoned talent. Moore is one of five bullpen additions this offseason as the Angels have added Luis Garcia, Adam Cimber, Adam Kolarek and newly signed right-hander Robert Stephenson who signed last week with the Halos. As the team aims to fill their holes in the roster, the addition of Moore provides stability to the back-end of the bullpen, which is essential components for a successful team. Moore along with Stephenson and Carlos Estevez will prove to be a powerful threat in the 7th, 8th, and 9th inning as the Angels will look to shorten games with their pen. His left-handedness offers some balance in a bullpen that has been righty dominant. The nice thing with Moore is he’s not a lefty specialist and can get batters out regardless of which side of the plate they are on.
The one-year, $9M deal serves as a reasonable raise for Moore by the Angels. In an era where pitching depth is highly sought after and often comes at a premium, securing Moore at this price point represents a savvy financial decision. The contract duration provides the Angels with flexibility while affording Moore the opportunity to prove his worth once again. The short-term commitment also allows the team some flexibility if the Angels are once again out of contention at the deadline, they can trade Moore to assess their future.
Conclusion
So far this offseason, the Angels have primarily focused on improving the bullpen which was a big weakness in 2023. The addition of Moore, Stephenson, Garcia, Cimber and Kolarek have made this bullpen capable of being a strength for the squad in 2024. The only other major league signing the Angels have made this offseason is the addition of Zach Plesac who could prove to be a valuable asset in the rotation, bullpen or as depth. This signing is another of many to come as the Angels will likely begin looking at their other holes to fill which include starting pitching and at least one big offensive bat.
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