Angels Sign Longtime Astros Outfielder to Minor League Deal

The Los Angeles Angels and journeyman outfielder Jake Marisnick have agreed on a one-year minor league deal.

A native of nearby Riverside, Marisnick played for the Houston Astros from 2014-19. Over the last three years, he’s seen time in six different organizations, having been traded or released five times since July 2021.

Last season, Marisnick appeared in 42 games for the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He slashed .237/.280/.408 and stole two bases in five attempts. He finished the season on the injured list with a strained left hamstring.

Throughout his career, Marisnick has been a reliable defensive outfielder and a quality at-bat during the postseason.

In the 2019 World Series, Marisnick boasted a batting average of .375 with a .819 OPS in seven games against the Washington Nationals.

While Angels fans should remember Marisnick for his time with the Astros — including their scandal-plagued 2017-18 seasons — one sour play against the Angels in particular might still be lingering in the minds of fans.

In July 2019, the Angels and Astros were tied in the eighth inning, 10-10. After a Houston sacrifice fly to right field, Marisnick tagged up from third base and wound up colliding with the Angels’ catcher, Jonathan Lucroy, at home plate.

That same day, Marisnick went on and acknowledged that what he did was a bad play and hoped the Lucroy was okay.

Following the play, Lucroy admitted he did not remember the play after suffering a concussion and a broken nose. Marisnick also reached out to Lucroy shortly afterward to apologize.

The incident is likely water under the bridge. Lucroy has retired and only three current Angels — Mike Trout, Matt Thaiss, and Luis Rengifo — appeared for them in that game.

Although Marisnick’s contract only ensures him a minor league roster spot, he has a chance to reach the major leagues at some point during the season.

Trout’s injury history is long. Mickey Moniak, Jo Adell and Taylor Ward have only short track records of success.

According to the Angels’ Roster Resource page, Marisnick received a non-roster invitation to spring training.