Angels sign Thomas, Aguilar to Minors deals

ANAHEIM -- The Angels added to their outfield depth this week, agreeing to terms with Dillon Thomas on a Minor League deal and signing Ryan Aguilar to a Minor League deal. Neither was on a 40-man roster or on the injured list at the end of the season, making them eligible to sign Minor League deals despite the lockout.

Thomas reached the Majors for the first time in his career in 2021, playing in four games with the Mariners and going 1-for-9 with two RBIs. He fared much better at Triple-A Tacoma, batting .269/.377/.448 with 13 homers, 12 stolen bases and 47 RBIs in 94 games.

The 29-year-old is a Houston native and was selected by the Rockies in the fourth round of the 2011 Draft. He played in Colorado's system from 2011-17 before playing in the Brewers' system from 2018-19 and with the Mariners in '21. He also had a stint in independent ball in 2018. He's a career .262/.332/.394 hitter with 50 homers, 108 stolen bases and 325 RBIs in 739 games. He also has experience at all three outfield spots.

Aguilar, 27, is a local product who went to Esperanza High School in Anaheim before attending the University of Arizona. He was a 31st-round pick by the Brewers in 2016 and played five seasons in the Minors with the organization.

Aguilar is a career .223/.338/.340 hitter with 30 homers, 42 stolen bases and 171 RBIs in 479 games. He struggled at Double-A Biloxi last year, batting .146/.286/.249 with six homers and nine stolen bases in 74 games. But he does offer some versatility, as he can play all three outfield spots and first base.

Aguilar appears more likely to give the club Minor League depth; Thomas could make an impact at the Major League level at some point next season.