The Los Angeles Angels are facing a roster puzzle that could make or break their 2026 season—and it all hinges on a little-known rule called minor league options. But here’s where it gets controversial: some players’ futures are on the line, and the decisions the Angels make could either solidify their lineup or leave them scrambling. Let’s break it down in a way that even a baseball newbie can understand.
The Angels kicked off their 2026 camp with several positions up for grabs, including starting second base and nearly every bench spot (except backup catcher). With at least five players battling for infield roles and two more fighting for the backup outfielder position, expect to see a lot of rotation in the first half of the Cactus League. And this is the part most people miss: the minor league options system could be the deciding factor in who makes the cut.
Here’s how it works: For the first three years a player is on an MLB roster, their team can send them back to the minor leagues at any time. After those three years, the team loses that flexibility—they must place the player on waivers if they want to demote them. Players who’ve passed this three-year mark are called out of options. It’s a high-stakes game, because placing a player on waivers means any team can claim them, potentially poaching talent for free.
Now, here’s the twist: Vaughn Grissom and Oswald Peraza are both out of options. If the Angels want to send them to AAA to start the season, they’ll have to expose them to waivers first. Given their potential, a rebuilding team might swoop in and claim them, leaving the Angels empty-handed. Perry Minasian traded for both players, so losing them just months later would be more than just embarrassing—it’d be a strategic misstep. This gives Grissom and Peraza a leg up in securing at least bench roles, even if they don’t outperform others in spring training.
On the flip side, Nick Madrigal and Jose Siri are on minor league deals, which don’t require options. While both have shown MLB-level success, their path to the roster is complicated. The Angels desperately need depth in AAA for the inevitable injuries of a 162-game season, making it harder for Madrigal and Siri to lock down spots. Siri has a slight edge, though, as he’s competing directly with Bryce Teodosio, who can be optioned down to Salt Lake City. For Madrigal, it’s a win-the-job-or-go-home scenario.
Then there’s Adam Frazier, who’s on a minor league deal but holds an opt-out clause. With over six years of MLB service, Frazier can request his release if he’s not on the MLB roster by the end of March. This gives him leverage—if Christian Moore wins the starting second base job, Frazier could walk away. It also puts pressure on the Angels to ensure Moore truly earns the spot, as Frazier is arguably the strongest candidate right now.
Here’s the million-dollar question: How will these options shape the final roster? Barring injuries, Grissom and Peraza seem likely to make the cut, even if Madrigal outperforms them in the Cactus League. The real battle is for starting second base, where Frazier’s opt-out clause gives him an edge over Moore and Madrigal, who can be sent down without risk. Meanwhile, Siri and Teodosio are locked in a two-man race for the last outfielder spot, with Teodosio’s roster spot giving him a slight advantage—though he can be sent down without waivers.
But here’s the controversial part: Is it fair for players like Frazier to have such leverage? And should the Angels risk losing Grissom or Peraza just to avoid embarrassment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this roster puzzle is far from solved.
