UPDATE: Veteran utility infielder Donovan Walton has officially signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels, marking his return to the West Coast after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies. Walton, 31, split the 2025 season between the Phillies and the New York Mets organizations, and this new deal comes just two months after he elected free agency.
In his time with the Phillies, Walton’s impact was limited. He only appeared in two games, going 1 for 8 at the plate. His time in Philadelphia culminated on September 10, 2025, during a game against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park, where he struggled to find his footing. After being designated for assignment, he was outrighted to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he had previously excelled, slashing an impressive .339/.413/.424 in the minors.
The Angels are hoping Walton can step into a utility role that has proven challenging for them in recent seasons. Last year, they cycled through several players, including Kevin Newman and Chris Taylor, who collectively batted just .186 over 171 games. Walton, known for his versatility, has played 354 games at the Triple-A level, showcasing a solid .281/.365/.435 career line, along with 39 home runs and 201 RBIs.
Notably, Walton’s journey in Major League Baseball has seen him don the jerseys of the Seattle Mariners, the San Francisco Giants, and the Phillies. After a tumultuous 2024 season, where he played only nine games for the Giants, Walton signed a minor league deal with the Mets. However, he was never promoted to the majors, leading to his trade to the Phillies on July 1 for cash considerations.
As Walton embarks on this new chapter with the Angels, the pressure is on for him to prove his worth and secure a more permanent spot on the major league roster. His performance at the Triple-A level will be crucial, especially given the Angels’ recent struggles in finding consistent production from their infield.
This signing not only highlights Walton’s resilience but also emphasizes the Angels’ commitment to bolstering their roster ahead of the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Walton seizes this opportunity.
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