The Los Angeles Angels continued their offseason focus on depth and flexibility by adding an experienced infield option, signing former top prospect Nick Madrigal to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

The move represents a low-risk investment for an organization seeking stability in the middle infield while providing a former high draft pick an opportunity to revive his major league career.

At 28 years old, Madrigal enters camp as a non-roster invitee, but with a realistic chance to compete for playing time given the Angels’ ongoing struggles at second and third base.

The signing was first reported by FanSided insider Robert Murray, confirming Anaheim’s interest in adding contact-oriented depth to its infield mix.

Madrigal was originally selected fourth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox, a pick that came with significant expectations.

At the time, Madrigal was viewed as one of the most polished hitters in amateur baseball, drawing praise for his elite bat-to-ball skills and advanced approach at the plate.

Chicago signed Madrigal to a $6.41 million bonus, betting heavily on his ability to reach the majors quickly and anchor the middle infield for years.

Early returns supported that optimism, as Madrigal moved rapidly through the minor leagues and showed the same elite contact ability against professional pitching.

However, injuries soon became a recurring obstacle, disrupting his development and preventing sustained stretches of health at the major league level.

Those setbacks ultimately altered his trajectory within the White Sox organization.

In July 2021, Chicago included Madrigal in a trade to the Chicago Cubs, a move that signaled diminishing confidence in his long-term fit.

While with the Cubs, Madrigal continued to display his trademark contact skills, but durability and limited power prevented him from establishing himself as an everyday player.

Following his release from Chicago’s North Side, Madrigal signed with the New York Mets on a one-year, $1.35 million deal.

That agreement represented another chance to reset his career and carve out a role as a utility infielder with on-base ability.

Unfortunately, that opportunity never materialized.

A left shoulder injury suffered during spring training in 2025 sidelined Madrigal for the entire season, effectively wiping out a critical year of evaluation.

The injury ultimately led to his release, leaving him searching once again for a path back to the major leagues.

Despite the interruptions, Madrigal’s career numbers illustrate why teams continue to see value in his profile.

Across 285 MLB games, he owns a .274 batting average with a .323 on-base percentage and a .344 slugging percentage.

He has collected 238 hits, driven in 77 runs, stolen 17 bases, and struck out at one of the lowest rates among infielders.

Those metrics highlight a hitter who prioritizes contact, plate discipline, and situational awareness over power.

At just 5-foot-7, Madrigal’s physical limitations have always capped his home run potential.

He has hit only four career home runs, a figure that reflects both his size and his swing mechanics.

However, his ability to avoid strikeouts and put the ball in play consistently remains his most valuable offensive trait.

Defensively, Madrigal has experience at both second and third base, with evaluators generally viewing his glove as strongest on the right side of the infield.

His range, instincts, and hands allow him to provide dependable defense, even if his arm strength is not elite.

For the Angels, those attributes address an area of persistent concern.

Anaheim has struggled to generate consistent production from second and third base in recent seasons.

Rookie Christian Moore showed flashes of promise but struck out frequently, limiting his immediate impact.

Other options, including Vaughn Grissom and Oswald Peraza, failed to secure long-term roles.

Those shortcomings created an opening for a player like Madrigal, whose skill set contrasts sharply with the swing-and-miss tendencies of recent options.

While Madrigal is unlikely to transform the lineup, he offers a different offensive look that could complement more power-oriented bats.

The Angels are expected to give Madrigal significant opportunities during spring training to demonstrate his health and versatility.

One possible outcome is a start at Triple-A Salt Lake, where he could build momentum and provide immediate depth.

Alternatively, strong spring performance could earn him a spot on the Opening Day roster as a utility infielder.

That flexibility aligns with the Angels’ broader rebuilding strategy.

Anaheim has emphasized low-cost acquisitions with upside, focusing on players who can contribute without long-term financial risk.

Madrigal’s deal fits that approach perfectly.

If he regains form, the Angels gain a reliable contact hitter and defender at minimal cost.

If not, the organization can move on without significant consequence.

From Madrigal’s perspective, the signing represents another chance to reestablish his career trajectory.

Few former top-five picks have faced as many setbacks so early in their professional careers.

Yet his skill set remains distinct in a league increasingly dominated by power and strikeouts.

Teams continue to value hitters who can control the strike zone and extend at-bats, particularly in situational roles.

Madrigal’s ability to put the ball in play could prove useful off the bench or in lineup configurations that prioritize on-base skills.

His speed and baserunning instincts further enhance that utility profile.

Importantly, Madrigal is expected to be fully healthy by the start of spring training.

That health milestone is critical, as it will be his first opportunity in two years to showcase his abilities without restriction.

The Angels’ coaching staff will closely monitor his shoulder strength, throwing mechanics, and defensive mobility.

If those elements hold up, Madrigal could quickly emerge as a viable option.

The Angels’ clubhouse environment may also benefit Madrigal.

As a rebuilding team, Anaheim can afford patience and experimentation, providing opportunities that may not exist on more established rosters.

For a player seeking to regain footing, that environment can be invaluable.

Madrigal’s signing also reflects the Angels’ willingness to revisit former top prospects whose careers have stalled.

Rather than chasing high-profile free agents, the organization continues to prioritize controllable, low-risk talent.

That strategy aims to uncover undervalued contributors while maintaining financial flexibility.

Whether Madrigal ultimately claims a roster spot remains uncertain.

What is clear is that the Angels see enough upside to warrant a closer look.

For Madrigal, the path back to relevance begins with health, opportunity, and performance.

Spring training will provide all three.

As Opening Day approaches, his name will be one to watch among non-roster invitees.

In a league where careers often hinge on timing and circumstance, Madrigal’s opportunity with the Angels represents a familiar but meaningful crossroads.

If he capitalizes, Anaheim may find unexpected stability in its infield.

If not, the experiment will end quietly, having cost little and risked even less.

For now, the Angels have given a former top prospect a chance to write the next chapter of his career, and for Nick Madrigal, that opportunity may be exactly what he needs.