In 2020, Tim Anderson finished seventh in MVP voting with the White Sox. The two years after? An All-Star. Fast forward to 2025, Anderson, who’s now an Angel, had to scratch and claw his way onto the roster. 

 

While his average had already dropped in 2023, Anderson hit rock-bottom when he was designated for assignment as a Marlin last year. After making the Angels 2025 roster, Anderson’s collected two hits and a run in the past two games as he pushes to get his swagger back. He’s earned the trust of manager Ron Washington to get it done. 

 

Making the roster 

 

Anderson signed a minor-league deal with Los Angeles in the offseason, so it was no guarantee he’d make the team. But, with a .250 batting average and perfect fielding percentage in 22 Spring Training games he got his spot. On the season, he’s down to a .182 average, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope.  

 

“The skillset that he has is still there,” Washington told MLBbro.com. “He’s gotten off bad as far as the numbers go on the offensive side, but he’s been doing everything else. He’s playing tremendous defense when he gets on the basepaths he’s the threat. And we just got to let it grow.”

 

Playing both second base and shortstop, Anderson’s notched 57 putouts and has stolen one base. Though not perfect, it’s a glimpse of the player Anderson once was. 

 

 

Anderson has the ability to get on the basepath, having as many as 26 stolen bases in a season through his career. He also can rack up hits on a consistent basis, being the American League hitting champion with a .335 batting average in 2019. 

 

Getting back in the groove 

 

Whether mentally or physically, getting the 31-year-old shortstop back on track hasn’t been an easy bout.

In March, Anderson told MLBbro.com he had to “relearn” how to hit. Anderson battled injury as he saw his career decline. Though his play may not be the same, what has remained is Anderson’s ability as a leader. Having experienced so much in his 10-year career, Anderson has been a valuable leader to a program trying desperately to get on track soon. Washington was sure to note that.

“I’ve been very pleased with his work ethic,” Washington said. “Been very pleased with the type of teammate he’s been.” 

Those intangibles can go a long way for turning the tide for Anderson. With fellow MLBbro Washington having his back, there’s hope of the old Anderson re-emerging at some point. 

“I know that there’s something left in him,” Washington said. “Before this season’s over we’ll get it out of him.”