Tampa Bay Rays Sign 6-Year Veteran Infielder
It was a short trip through free agency for Madrigal, who returned to the open market just a few days earlier when he declined an outright assignment to the Los Angeles Angels' Triple-A squad.
The Angels Stint
After missing the entire 2025 season due to shoulder surgery, Madrigal signed a minor league deal with Los Angeles last winter and was selected to the active roster at the end of May.
He hit a respectable .273/.385/.295 over 52 plate appearances in an Angels uniform, providing a decent amount of on-base production despite a near-total lack of power.
#Rays sign veteran INF Nick Madrigal to minor-league deal. Has big-league time with #WhiteSox, #Cubs, #Angels at 2B and 3B. Provides depth at AAA @DurhamBulls
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 28, 2026
It was not enough to keep his spot.
The Angels designated him for assignment when Jorge Soler was activated off the injured list, with Denzer Guzman's promotion and move into an everyday role further crowding the Los Angeles infield picture.
The Tampa Bay Fit
Madrigal joins a Rays club that has been short-handed in the infield all year, largely due to Gavin Lux's season-long stint on the 60-day injured list.
The right-handed-hitting Madrigal provides experienced depth and could complement the lefty-swinging Richie Palacios at second base.
Playing time at third base is unlikely given Junior Caminero's presence, though Caminero could see some time at designated hitter if Yandy Diaz lands on the injured list after leaving Sunday's game with a shoulder strain.
Interesting move here.
— Jake (@TBRaysCentral) June 28, 2026
Madrigal was impressive against the Rays earlier this season. High contact guy, and he’s increased his walk rate in a limited sample. https://t.co/5zQrETmzQi
The 29-year-old was the fourth overall pick by the Chicago White Sox in the 2018 draft out of Oregon State and has played for the White Sox, Cubs, and Angels across six MLB seasons.
Because he has more than five years of service time, Madrigal could not be easily optioned, but on a minor league deal he gives Tampa Bay a veteran option to call on as needed.
