The Angels announced that they have claimed infielder Logan Davidson off waivers from the Astros. The latter club designated him for assignment earlier this week. In a corresponding 40-man move, the Angels have transferred right-hander Víctor Mederos to the 60-day injured list.
Davidson, 27, was a first-round pick of the Athletics back in 2019. He was initially one of that club’s top prospects but his stock faded. Even back in his college days, his power came with concerns about his penchant for strikeouts. Those concerns popped up again in affiliated ball. From 2021 to 2023, he stepped to the plate 1,437 times in the minors with an 11% walk rate but a 27.6% strikeout rate. He produced a combined line of .246/.332/.379 in that span, leading to a wRC+ of 85.
Going into 2024, he had largely fallen off prospect lists, but he ended up having a decent season. He still struck out in 31.1% of his Triple-A plate appearances but he managed to produce a .300/.366/.535 line and 111 wRC+ anyway. Given his ability to play every position outside of the battery, it was possible to imagine him serving as a useful utility guy.
Here in 2025, he had a strong .303/.452/.428 line in mid-May, again with a strikeout rate over 30%. The A’s then gave him his first big-league call but it didn’t last long. He hit .150/.261/.200 in his first 24 plate appearances and was quickly optioned back down to the minors. He was designated for assignment in July and was claimed by the Astros. They kept him in Triple-A but he hit .207/.290/.390 there and got the DFA treatment again.
This claim makes it three American League West clubs in a span of a few months for Davidson. For the Halos, they are about to lose Yoán Moncada, Chris Taylor and Luis Rengifo to free agency, cutting into their position player depth. They could get Anthony Rendon back next year but surely don’t want to be relying on him for anything since he has missed so much time, including all of the 2025 season due to hip surgery.
Going into 2026, they should have Zach Neto at shortstop and Nolan Schanuel at first base, but openings at second and third base. Prospect Christian Moore got a shot to take over at the keystone but just got optioned after struggling in his initial major league action. Guys like Scott Kingery, Oswald Peraza, Chad Stevens and Kyren Paris are on the roster. The Halos will likely make some offseason moves to address their infield but Davidson gives them another depth option for now. He has just a few days of service time and will still have two option years remaining after this one.
Mederos, 24, landed on the 15-day IL a little over a week ago due to shoulder inflammation. His current status is unclear but this move indicates the Halos don’t expect him back this season. He’ll be on the 60-day IL for the rest of the year, though there’s no IL in the offseason.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Lee, Imagn Images