The Los Angeles Angels entered the offseason with a need for a new starter at the shortstop position. Andrew Velazquez led the team in starts out at shortstop in the 2022 season with 100, and while he blossomed as a potent defensive player, he wound up posting a lowly .196 batting average in 125 total games played.

Multiple coveted shortstops hit free agency in November, including Trea Turner. Angels owner Arte Moreno revealed to Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci last week that he wanted general manager Perry Minasian to sign Turner to a blockbuster contract. Minasian preferred to address other team needs rather than going all out to bring in Turner, who ended up reaching an agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies on an 11-year, $300 million deal.

During a media availability on Saturday, Moreno took some time to share more details regarding the Angels' call to not push to acquire the two-time All-Star.

“Every player that we’ve ever signed has been with a discussion of the general manager all the way through,” Moreno said. “When Bill Stoneman was here, you can ask Bill, he’s around here. I never brought a player to Bill Stoneman and said, ‘This is who I’m going to sign.' If there’s a decision that Perry wants to sign someone. If we’re going to negotiate, and we want to get a deal done, I need to be there because I need to make the call. Or he’s running back and forth. He and I talk about the money before we make any decision.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Angels News
Los Angeles Angels second baseman Christian Moore (4) turns a double play during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles.
Angels’ Christian Moore makes immediate highlight in MLB debut vs. YankeesJosh Davis ·
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park.
MLB rumors: Dodgers ‘lurking’ for resurgent ace trade candidateZachary Weinberger ·
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout (27) is greeted after scoring a run against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium.
Angels’ Mike Trout punishes Camden Yards pole with 11th home runZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Garrett McDaniels (57) delivers to the plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodgers receive pitching help after Angels big moveJosh Davis ·
Rocket City infielder Christian Moore (7) jogs during a minor league baseball game between the Knoxville Smokies and Rocket City Trash Pandas at Covenant Health Park on April 29, 2025. The Knoxville Smokies won 9-6 against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Rengifo
Angels calling up No. 1 prospect before Orioles seriesZachary Howell ·
Detailed view of a memorial patch for Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs (45) on the jersey of designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Skaggs, 27, died at a hotel in Southlake, Texas, July 1, 2019, where he was found unresponsive prior to a game against the Texas Rangers.
15-year MLB vet alleged to be Tyler Skaggs drug source in bombshell revelationPreston Byers ·

“But we had this conversation, I really like Trea Turner. I watched him play with Washington. I watched him play with the Dodgers. I love the way he plays. (Minasian) just said, ‘Great player. We need a lot of stuff.'”

Minasian spent the offseason bolstering the team’s depth across the board. He shelled out nearly $80 million to sign Tyler Anderson, Matt Moore, Brandon Drury, and Carlos Estevez in free agency. He also pulled off trades for Hunter Renfroe and Gio Urshela.

Angels manager Phil Nevin will have multiple options to choose from to be the team’s go-to shortstop for the 2023 campaign, including David Fletcher.