The Los Angeles Angels quietly added some veteran depth on Thursday, signing Pablo Reyes to a minor league contract and sending him to Triple-A Salt Lake. The 32-year-old utility man was released by the San Diego Padres just a few days ago — and he’s been swinging a hot bat all season.
Reyes joins the Bees after torching Pacific Coast League pitching at El Paso. In 258 plate appearances, he hit .310 with a .408 on-base percentage and a .491 slugging percentage. He walked 35 times (13.6 percent of his plate appearances) and struck out at just a 14 percent clip. That 121 wRC+ means he was 21 percent better than the average PCL hitter, even in a league that inflates offense. He also led El Paso in on-base percentage and walks.
Spring training was no fluke either. Reyes hit .323 in 19 Cactus League games. But the Padres never put him on the 40-man roster. He played five different defensive positions plus DH in Triple-A, and still couldn’t force his way onto the big league club before they let him go.
A Guy Who Can Play Everywhere
Reyes has 257 games of MLB experience across seven seasons with the Pirates, Brewers, Red Sox, Mets and Yankees. His career numbers are modest — .245/.305/.342 with eight home runs and 56 RBIs — but his defensive versatility is the draw. He’s played second base, third base and shortstop, plus some outfield.
His best season came with Boston in 2023. He played a career-high 64 games and hit .287 with a .716 OPS, two homers, 20 RBIs and seven stolen bases. That year he set career highs in hits, doubles, walks, steals and RBIs.
The Angels just designated Donovan Walton for assignment to clear room for Mike Trout’s return. That leaves a gap for another versatile infield option in the organization. And with the trade deadline approaching, the Angels are expected to be sellers — guys like Jorge Soler, Jose Siri, Josh Lowe, Oswald Peraza, Vaughn Grissom and Jo Adell are reportedly on the block.
If trades or injuries open a spot, Reyes could get another look. He’s out of minor league options, so if the Angels add him to the 40-man, they’d have to keep him on the active roster. But for now, he’s a low-risk depth piece who can handle the glove at multiple positions while he waits for a call.
Leave a Comment