Angels Secure d'Arnaud on Two-Year Contract, Bolstering Catching Depth
The Los Angeles Angels have added depth to their catching corps, signing veteran catcher Kurt d'Arnaud to a two-year contract, as announced by the team on [Date of Announcement]. The deal, reported to be worth $8 million, provides much-needed security behind starter Logan O'Hoppe, who is recovering from a shoulder injury.
d'Arnaud Brings Experience and Versatility to the Angels
d'Arnaud, a 34-year-old veteran with nine seasons of Major League experience, has been a consistent contributor for several teams throughout his career. He provides the Angels with a reliable presence behind the plate, known for his strong defensive abilities and ability to handle a pitching staff. He also offers offensive flexibility, hitting for both power and average.
Last season with the Atlanta Braves, d'Arnaud posted a .250 batting average with 16 home runs and 55 RBIs in 117 games. He was a key contributor to the Braves' success, helping them capture the National League East title.
Angels Seek to Rebound After Disappointing 2022 Season
The signing of d'Arnaud is part of the Angels' efforts to strengthen their roster after a disappointing 2022 season. The team struggled with inconsistency, finishing 14 games below .500 and missing the playoffs. General Manager Perry Minasian has been active in the offseason, looking to address key areas of need and create a more competitive team.
d'Arnaud's addition provides a veteran presence and insurance for O'Hoppe, who is expected to miss significant time as he recovers from his injury. The Angels will hope that d'Arnaud's experience and leadership can help guide the team's young pitching staff and contribute to a successful season in 2023.
Key Takeaways:
- d'Arnaud brings valuable experience and defensive prowess to the Angels' catching position.
- The signing provides depth behind O'Hoppe while he recovers from injury.
- This move is part of the Angels' efforts to improve after a disappointing 2022 season.
The Angels will look to d'Arnaud to provide stability and leadership for their pitching staff as they aim for a return to the playoffs in 2023.
Keywords: Kurt d'Arnaud, Angels, Los Angeles Angels, catching, catcher, MLB, baseball, two-year contract, veteran, experience, depth, Logan O'Hoppe, injury, Atlanta Braves, Perry Minasian, playoffs, 2023 season