The Angels have signed veteran outfielder to a minor league contract, as noted on the transactions page of his MLB.com profile. He’s been assigned to Triple-A Salt Lake. He was previously with the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate on a minor league deal but hadn’t played since April and was released late last month.
Now 33, He is a nine-year MLB veteran who hasn’t appeared in the majors yet this season. He debuted with the Yankees in 2016 but was quickly dealt to the Mariners, where he eventually became a solid regular, hitting .274/.335/.398 (102 wRC+) over two seasons. He was later traded to Milwaukee in exchange for Domingo Santana but struggled during his time there and was non-tendered after the 2020 season.
In the years since, He has played for five different teams—Cleveland, Pittsburgh, San Diego, the Mets, and Houston—appearing in 281 games since 2021. During that stretch, he’s hit .239/.338/.372 (98 wRC+), mostly playing the corner outfield spots, with occasional appearances in center and at first base.
His most productive stint came with the Astros last year, when he posted a 117 wRC+ in 20 games before a fractured fibula ended his season in mid-September. Despite the injury, Houston re-signed him to a major league deal in spring training, but he was released after prospect Cam Smith claimed the right field job.
Following his release, Gamel signed with the Tigers, but landed on the injured list after 17 games and was let go. Now with the Angels, he’s expected to return to game action soon and could work his way into Anaheim’s outfield rotation.
With the Angels’ lineup being heavily right-handed, Gamel’s left-handed bat might give him an edge—though today’s trade for LaMonte Wade Jr. could complicate his chances. Still, Gamel has been a steady, league-average contributor for much of his career and could find his way back to the majors if he stays healthy.
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