2026 Transactions: Angels Sign Heineman, Bring Back Peralta

November 13 saw the first big hitter domino fall. However, there were other moves made. The Angels made two moves, bringing in catcher Tyler Heineman and re-signing reliever Sammy Peralta.

Angels make moves

The Angels announced that the club brought in catcher Tyler Heineman on a one-year deal.

A veteran catcher who’s bounced around the league, Heineman posted roughly below-league-median pop time numbers and didn’t hit too much for Toronto. In his age-35 season, Heineman slashed .175/.223/.220 over 200 plate appearances for the Blue Jays.

Heineman is now one of three catchers on the Angels’ 40-man roster, joining Logan Porter and C/DH Moises Ballesteros.

Additionally, the Angels brought back left-hander Sammy Peralta on a Minor League deal, which also came with a non-roster invite to 2027 Spring Training. Between the Rockies and Angels, Peralta struck out 23 over 23 innings.

Nationals release Nicolas

The Nationals released reliever Kyle Nicolas.

Nicolas was acquired by the Nationals back in July. The right-hander did not pitch once with Washington after seven appearances with the Reds earlier in the year.