Angels Make Trade, Send Former First-Round Draft Pick to Cubs

The Los Angeles Angels traded Matt Thaiss to the Chicago Cubs for cash, an unsurprising move for baseball's busiest team this offseason.

Thaiss, a former first-round draft pick, spent the 2024 season as the backup to starting catcher Logan O'Hoppe. After the Angels recently signed veteran catcher Travis d'Arnaud to be O'Hoppe's backup, the writing was on the wall.

The offseason is only three weeks old, yet general manager Perry Minasian has already been busier making moves than any of his peers. The Angels acquired DH/outfielder Jorge Soler and infielder Scott Kingery in separate trades. They also claimed first baseman Ryan Noda off waivers and signed pitcher Kyle Hendricks in addition to signing d'Arnaud.

Thaiss, 29, slashed .204/.323/.299 in 57 gmes last season, with two home runs and 16 RBIs. He has also seen time at first base, third base, second base and left field in parts of six major league seasons, all with the Angels.

More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 03: Livan Soto #13, Matt Thaiss #12 and Taylor Ward #3 of the Los Angeles Angels high-five after Soto scored a run off a hit by Jo Adell against the Oakland... Brandon Vallance/Getty Images