In a move to bolster their infield depth, the Los Angeles Angels have signed veteran infielder Kevin Newman to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. The deal, announced on Thursday, also includes a club option for the 2026 season, giving the Angels some flexibility as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding young shortstop Zach Neto’s injury recovery.
Newman Set to Fill Void Left by Neto’s Injury
Newman, 31, is expected to step in as the Angels’ starting shortstop when the 2025 season kicks off, providing a steady presence while Neto works his way back from right shoulder surgery. The promising rookie suffered the injury on a slide in late September, casting a shadow over the Angels’ infield plans heading into the offseason.
According to a source close to the team, Neto’s exact recovery timeline remains uncertain, making Newman’s signing a prudent move to ensure the Angels aren’t left scrambling if their young star needs extended time on the shelf.
A Steady Veteran Presence
Newman brings a reliable bat and solid glove to the Angels’ infield mix. Last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the versatile infielder hit a respectable .278 with 17 doubles, three home runs, and 28 RBIs across 111 games. While not a flashy addition, Newman’s consistency and experience should provide a calming influence for an Angels team with playoff aspirations.
Kevin is a proven commodity at the major league level. He brings a steady hand to our infield and gives us some much-needed depth as we await Zach’s return.
– A source within the Angels organization
Keeping an Eye on the Future
While Newman figures to play a key role in 2025, the Angels have also given themselves some options for 2026 and beyond. The club option attached to Newman’s deal, also worth $2.5 million, allows the team to retain the infielder for an additional season should he prove to be a good fit.
This forward-thinking approach is crucial for the Angels as they balance their immediate needs with the long-term development of young talents like Neto. By bringing in a steady veteran like Newman, the team can afford to be patient with Neto’s recovery, ensuring the promising shortstop doesn’t rush back before he’s fully healed.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
At just $2.5 million for the 2025 season, Newman’s signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move for the Angels. If he can maintain his solid production and provide a stabilizing presence in the infield, the team will have acquired a valuable asset at a reasonable price. And if Neto returns to full strength sooner than expected, Newman’s versatility allows him to slot in at other infield positions as needed.
As the Angels continue to navigate the uncertainty of the offseason, the signing of Kevin Newman brings a measure of clarity to their infield situation. With a reliable veteran now in the fold, the team can focus on addressing other areas of need as they look to make a push for the postseason in 2025.
For Newman, the opportunity to join a contender like the Angels must be an exciting prospect. After spending the majority of his career with the rebuilding Pittsburgh Pirates, the chance to compete for a playoff spot in the competitive American League West should provide a fresh challenge for the experienced infielder.
As spring training approaches and the Angels begin to assemble their roster for the 2025 campaign, all eyes will be on Kevin Newman and how he fits into the team’s plans. If he can deliver on the promise of his steady past performance, this under-the-radar signing could prove to be one of the shrewdest moves of the offseason.
For now, Angels fans can take comfort in knowing that their team has taken a proactive approach to address a potential area of weakness. With Newman in the fold and Neto on the mend, the infield puzzle is starting to take shape in Anaheim. As the season draws near, the excitement will only continue to build around this new-look Angels squad.
