Kyren Paris’ dream came true.

 

Paris earned a roster spot with the Los Angeles Angels and will be in Chicago against the White Sox on Opening Day on Thursday. The second baseman will come off the bench this season after a standout spring performance – .400 with 13 RBI, 14 runs and four steals in 23 games.

 

“He’s a totally different guy than he was last spring,” Angels’ manager Ron Washington told the media.

 

Kyren Paris Makes Los Angeles Angels Roster After Adjustments 

 

Paris, 23, said his time with the big club last season prepared him for this spring. “I got to work on a lot of different things in the offseason,” said Paris to MLBbro.com.

 

Paris knew he had to improve at the plate after batting .118 in 21 games.

 

“The biggest thing I worked on was my hitting, making my swing more efficient and have success against big league pitchers,” said Paris, the Angels’  former No. 4 overall prospect. “That was my big focus this offseason.”

 

Pitching is so different between the minors and the Majors. “Pitchers in the Majors can locate better,” he said. “They are able to find your holes. And once they find your holes, they’ll keep attacking them and they will hit their spots.” 

 

Kyren Paris Was A Multi-Sport Athlete 

 

Growing up, Paris played multiple sports, including basketball, soccer and tennis. But, his dad, LeJon, changed everything when he introduced him to baseball. Paris’ favorite players growing up were Derek Jeter and Rickey Henderson. He was inspired by Jeter’s leadership at shortstop and Henderson’s speed and ability to steal bases. Paris was drafted to the Angels in 2019 in the second round.

 

“Baseball was my first love,” he said. “My dad introduced me to the game. And I stuck with it ever since.”

 

 At that time, Paris had an opportunity to play at the University of California-Berkeley but ultimately decided to begin his journey in MLB early. He spent time toggling through every level in the minor league system. Paris was called up to the Angels’ main roster in 2023 for 15 games. His first games in the Majors against the Oakland Athletics were productive. He recorded his first hit and stolen base.

 

Kyren Paris Went Crazy Spring Training Batting .400

 

Paris was called up again in 2024 for 21 games. On May 5 against the Astros, Paris hit his first Major League home run.

 

“Definitely learned a lot last year,” Paris said. “Getting a chance to play and getting a chance to watch from the bench on the days I wasn’t playing. I was able to learn a lot from my experience up there.”

 

 

Paris – from Oakley, CA. – said the Angels have more of a veteran presence and he is able to ask questions to gain more knowledge of the game.

 

“You definitely always have fun with the game, but it is a job,” Paris said. “It’s a lot more serious now. It’s your job and it’s definitely fun, but you take it more serious now.”

 

Especially after making the Opening Day roster.