Angels Sign Jose Siri to Minor-League Deal

The Los Angeles Angels have bolstered their outfield depth by signing Jose Siri to a minor-league deal that includes a spring training invitation, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon. Per reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Siri would earn $1.6 million if he makes the Angels’ 26-man roster. The agreement also features opt-out clauses at the end of spring training and on June 1 if Siri’s contract is not selected, providing flexibility for both sides.

Siri arrives in Anaheim following an injury-marred 2025 season with the New York Mets. Traded from the Tampa Bay Rays in November 2024 for right-hander Eric Orze, Siri was expected to improve the Mets’ center-field defense. However, his season was derailed on April 21 when he fractured his left tibia after fouling a ball off his leg. Though initially projected to miss eight to ten weeks, lingering soreness kept him out until early September.

Upon his return, Siri appeared in only 16 games, going 2-for-32 (.063) with one RBI, two stolen bases, and four walks, producing a .292 OPS. The Mets designated him for assignment on September 24, outrighted him to Triple-A Syracuse three days later, and Siri elected minor league free agency on September 29.

Before joining New York, Siri had established himself as a strong defensive outfielder with the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays. Over the 2022–2024 seasons, he earned high marks in public defensive metrics, showcasing speed and range in center field. While his offensive production has been inconsistent, he displayed power and speed, hitting 43 home runs across 2023 and 2024 and stealing 45 bases in 58 career attempts.

1. A Defensive-Minded Addition

Los Angeles’s primary motivation in signing Siri appears to be defense. Jo Adell is expected to be the Angels’ main center fielder despite posting minus-13 Defensive Runs Saved and minus-8 Outs Above Average in 2025. Josh Lowe, acquired from Tampa Bay, has only 156 career innings in center and projects better in a corner position. Veteran sluggers Jorge Soler and Mike Trout are likely to rotate between left field and designated hitter duties, further limiting roster flexibility in center. Bryce Teodosio, the team’s fourth outfielder, has only 55 major league games of experience, while Kyren Paris and Matthew Lugo bring limited MLB exposure, with Paris primarily a middle infielder. In that context, Siri provides a glove-first veteran option capable of competing for a bench role. His proven defensive ability gives the Angels insurance in center field, while his speed and occasional power add value in pinch-hitting and base-running scenarios. Siri’s experience and versatility may allow him to serve as a late-inning defensive replacement or situational starter, giving manager a reliable option to cover gaps in the outfield. His presence is expected to push younger players to compete for playing time and could stabilize the defensive side of the roster.

2. Offense and Career Profile

Offensively, Siri has shown flashes of power but remains a high-strikeout player. Over 1,222 major league plate appearances, he has struck out 442 times, leaving him with a career slash line of .206/.263/.400. While this limits his upside as a full-time hitter, his ability to hit home runs and steal bases adds complementary tools to a team focused on balance and depth. Siri’s power-speed combination peaked during the 2023 and 2024 seasons when he hit a total of 43 home runs and stole 45 bases, demonstrating his potential to impact games beyond just defense. The Angels will likely rely on him for situational hitting and base-running as opposed to regular at-bats in the lineup. His minor-league contract, combined with the opt-out clauses, allows both Siri and the Angels flexibility. If he performs well in spring training, he could secure a spot on the major league roster and earn his full salary; if not, he retains the ability to explore opportunities elsewhere. For the Angels, the addition of Siri is a calculated move to address a roster with limited depth in center field. By adding a veteran with defensive skills and some offensive upside, the team gains insurance while also creating competition among younger outfielders.

3. Looking Ahead to Spring Training

Siri’s arrival sets the stage for an open competition in Anaheim this spring. With Jo Adell projected as the starting center fielder, Siri will likely challenge for a bench or backup role, providing experience and defensive reliability in late-game situations. Los Angeles has expressed a commitment to balancing youth and veteran presence in the outfield. Siri’s signing complements this strategy by offering insurance against injury and inconsistent performance from younger players, while also freeing up corner positions for more offensively oriented teammates. The Angels’ front office sees Siri as a potential piece in a larger plan to stabilize the outfield and improve overall roster flexibility. His ability to cover center, combined with speed on the bases, makes him a tactical addition even if his offensive output remains limited. As spring training unfolds, Siri will have the opportunity to demonstrate that he can contribute in multiple roles, from pinch-running to defensive substitutions, and possibly earn a place on the 26-man roster. His experience in high-level MLB competition could also prove valuable in mentoring younger teammates.