Los Angeles Angels Sign Coveted Free Agent Reliever

The Los Angeles Angels are closing in on a deal.

According to multiple sources, the Angels are very close to signing free-agent reliever Matt Moore.

Free-agent left-handed reliever Matt Moore closing in on deal with Angels, a source tells @TheAthletic. Moore, 33, posted a 1.95 ERA and held opponents to a .564 OPS in 74 innings with the Rangers last season.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 16, 2023

Moore has been one of the most coveted free agent arms all winter after a fantastic 2022 season, where he posted a shining 1.95 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts over 74 innings of work with the Texas Rangers. He made 64 relief appearances, finished 18 games, converted five saves and held a 5-2 record.

It was the best season of Moore's 11-year career.

Despite being thirty-three, Moore shows no signs of slowing down, averaging around 94 MPH on his fastball while also finding success with his curveball and changeup, keeping hitters guessing and striking out batters at a strong 27.3% rate.

The #Angels are closing in on signing LHP Matt Moore, per @Ken_Rosenthal.

Moore, 33, is a former starter who has reinvented himself to become an effective reliever. He posted a 1.95 ERA and held opponents to a .564 OPS in 74 innings out of the #Rangers’ bullpen last season. pic.twitter.com/Orq5oS4vM9

— John Sparaco™ (@JohnSparaco) February 16, 2023

He should be in the late-inning mix for the Angels this season, especially since he dominated all hitters, holding righties to a .537 OPS and lefties to a .634 OPS.

It's a big addition for the Angels.

Plenty of other teams were interested in signing Moore, with the Boston Red Sox having spoken with him a few times, but were unable to get a deal done.
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