This afternoon, the Angels declared that they had chosen to sign Triple-A infielder Denzer Guzman to a contract. To provide space for Guzman on the 40-man and active rosters, utility infielder Scott Kingery was assigned. Additionally, Anaheim said that they had recalled infielder Christian Moore and optioned outfielder Matthew Lugo to Triple-A.
Guzman, 21, made his professional debut in 2021 after being signed by the Angels as an amateur from the Dominican Republic. Guzman started to move up the minor league ladder after hitting his way out of rookie status in late 2022, but he didn’t typically show much potential at the plate. At least until Guzman had a breakthrough at the Double- and Triple-A levels this year.He has been cut. In 129 games across the two levels this season, he is 247/.343/.426 with a 14–17 on-base record, 30 doubles, and 17 home runs. Although the Pacific Coast League’s exaggerated offensive atmosphere may have contributed to some of that breakout, Guzman’s ability to compete offensively in the higher minors is still remarkable considering his young.
Although Guzman has some expertise at third base, the vast majority of his work throughout the years has been at shortstop. Guzman is expected to cover for Zach Neto in the near future while the latter tends to a chronic ailment. However, in the long run, Guzman won’t be able to spend much time at the position in the majors because of Neto’s presence. With Luis Rengifo and Yoan Moncada scheduled for free agency this winter, additional slots around the infield may open up as early as next year. If that happens, Guzman might be considered for a bigger role in the majors in 2026 if he makes a good first impression.
The Angels are severing their relationship with Kingery in order to create way for Guzman on the roster. After agreeing to an MLB contract, the 31-year-old journeyman signed his first Major League contract since 2022 with Anaheim this year. However, he only made 19 appearances, slashing a terrible.148/.207/.185 with a 37.9% strikeout percentage in 29 at-bats. Kingery, a former top prospect who signed a doomed agreement with the Phillies to start his career, appeared to advance and establish himself as a decent regular in 2019, but he only managed to hit.144/.205/.250 in 52 MLB games between 2020 and 2022.Kingery will have the choice to remain in the minor leagues for the rest of the season or choose free agency if he is not claimed on waivers.
Given that his assignment lasted less than 20 days, Moore, a rookie, returns to the majors without even using a minor league option. Between stints on the disabled list and Triple-A this season, the seventh overall choice of last year’s draft made his debut in June and recorded.195/.287/.336 in 39 games for the Angels. Lugo, 24, made his Major League Baseball debut this year, but in 70 appearances, he has only hit.232/.243/.464; his strong slugging stats were enhanced by six extra-base hits in his first eight games.
