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Luis Rengifo enters free agency as the kind of player managers tend to appreciate more than the public ever does. He’s not the name that moves headlines, but he’s the type of infielder who keeps a roster functioning; someone who can start at multiple spots, switch-hit in tight matchups and play steady enough defense that he never turns into a problem.
His 2025 run with the Angels didn’t come with big power totals, yet he still gave them reliable contact, real versatility, and bits of speed that helped cover injuries all over the field. For teams looking for flexibility instead of star wattage, Rengifo is exactly that type of fit.
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The market for players like him moves quickly, and based on positional need and lineup structure, these three teams make the most sense.
Seattle values versatility as much as anyone in baseball and Rengifo gives them a switch-hitting infielder who can slide into second, third or short depending on the matchup.
The Mariners have leaned too heavily on right-handed pockets in their lineup the last few years and his more balanced approach at the plate adds a layer they’ve been missing.
With the club likely making adjustments in the middle infield this winter, Rengifo offers a cost-friendly option who can handle everyday work when needed while giving their lineup room to stay flexible.
#2. San Diego Padres
The Padres need movable infield depth that doesn’t strain payroll and doesn’t force them into rigid platoons. Rengifo checks every box.
His switch-hitting gives San Diego the kind of matchup flexibility they were missing for long stretches of 2025 and his defensive range lets him move around the infield without the club worrying about a drop-off.
Petco Park isn’t built for power, but Rengifo’s value has never hinged on that anyway; it’s the contact, the athleticism, the ability to handle situational at-bats and those traits show up in any ballpark.
The Padres have also leaned toward short-term, lower-cost deals for players who can fill a role and then take on more when injuries inevitably hit and Rengifo fits that profile cleanly.
#3. Minnesota Twins
Minnesota thrives when it has a deep, adaptable roster, and Rengifo fits seamlessly into that structure. The Twins value players who can shift across the infield without sacrificing defense and Rengifo’s skill set lines up with that need.
He wouldn’t need to be an everyday fixture, but he could be one if injuries pile up, which has often been the case in Minnesota.
For the Twins, he’s a low-cost, low-risk signing who improves lineup flexibility and keeps their younger players from being overexposed.
Edited by Shubham Soni
