The Los Angeles Angels have signed veteran infielder Kevin Newman to a one-year deal, leading to the designation of backup catcher Matt Thaiss for assignment. General manager Perry Minasian indicated that while Thaiss is still on the roster, the team is considering its options, including the possibility of carrying three catchers.

With the addition of catcher Travis d'Arnaud, who brings All-Star experience and leadership, the Angels aim to bolster their catching depth. The team is also looking to make further improvements in pitching and infield depth this offseason.

The Los Angeles Angels have claimed Ryan Noda from the Oakland Athletics, who previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Noda, 28, showed promise in his rookie season, hitting 16 home runs and maintaining a solid on-base percentage despite a high strikeout rate.

In 2024, his performance dipped significantly, but he rebounded in Triple-A, showcasing his power and ability to get on base. As he approaches the 2025 season, Noda remains a potential asset for the Angels, providing depth at first base.

The Oakland Athletics are navigating a challenging time as they seek a permanent move to Las Vegas. Amidst the distractions, the team boasts a promising roster, particularly with young talents like Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom.

Soderstrom, the former No. 1 prospect, had a rocky start but showed improvement after returning from injury. His performance in the latter part of the season indicates potential for growth as he aims to secure the first base position and contribute to the team's success alongside other rising stars.

Rick Lucks reflects on his 10 bold predictions for the 2024 fantasy baseball season, revealing a mixed bag of outcomes. While some predictions, like Shota Imanaga's performance, were spot on, others fell flat, including expectations for players like Tyler O'Neill and Blake Snell.

Overall, Lucks recorded a disappointing 2-8 record on his predictions, but he acknowledges that the spirit of some predictions, particularly regarding the Kansas City Royals, was closer to reality than the final tally suggests.