Angels Re-Sign Veteran Catcher to Minor League Deal

A familiar face rejoins the team.

The Angels have added more catching depth to the organization this offseason. On Saturday, Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register reported the Angels brought back catcher Chad Wallach on a minor league deal.

The Angels have signed C Chad Wallach to a minor league deal.

They also announced a minor league deal for C Francisco Mejia, which was reported yesterday.

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) December 23, 2023

Wallach, 31, has spent the last two years in the Angels' organization. After a shoulder injury to Logan O'Hoppe early in the 2023 season, Wallach filled in behind the dish for a good chunk of the season.

In 65 games, the Yorba Linda native slashed .197/.259/.635 with seven home runs. Now, the organization will look to him in 2024 to provide further catching depth. 

Injuries happen to every team at every position, but teams generally only carry two catchers on the 40-man roster. So, having depth behind the dish becomes all the more valuable.

Especially at catcher, familiarity with the pitching staff goes a long way. Ron Washington can slot Wallach into the lineup seamlessly and expect him to call a good game. 

Wallach joins Francisco Mejia as veteran catchers in the organization who can offer game-calling experience in a pinch. With O'Hoppe and Matt Thaiss expected back in 2024, Wallach and Mejia can effectively use spring training as an audition to be the first catcher called up in case of an injury.