Angels Boost Bullpen Depth With Waiver Claim for Veteran Pitcher Kaleb Ort

The Los Angeles Angels continued to reshape their pitching staff this week by adding a veteran arm to the bullpen. On Wednesday, the club officially claimed right-hander Kaleb Ort off waivers from the New York Yankees. The move marks the third organization for Ort in just a few weeks. He was recently designated for assignment by Houston before a brief stint on the Yankees’ roster.

Ort brings five years of major league experience to an Angels team seeking reliable relief options. The 33-year-old spent the last two seasons with the division-rival Houston Astros. During the 2025 campaign, he recorded a 2-2 record and a 4.89 ERA over 46 innings of work. His ability to miss bats remained a highlight, as he struck out 49 batters during that span.

The hard-throwing righty is known for a powerful four-seam fastball that consistently reaches the upper 90s. Despite his velocity, Ort has struggled with home runs throughout his career. He has surrendered 25 round-trippers across 122.1 total innings in the big leagues. The Angels hope a change of scenery will help the veteran refine his command and limit high-leverage damage.

Because Ort is out of minor league options, the Angels face a looming roster decision this spring. They must either include him in the Opening Day bullpen or risk losing him through the waiver process again. This lack of flexibility makes his performance during upcoming spring training sessions critical for his future with the franchise.

To accommodate Ort on the 40-man roster, the Angels moved on from outfielder Wade Meckler. The team designated Meckler for assignment just weeks after claiming him from the San Francisco Giants. This transaction highlights the front office’s current priority of hoarding pitching depth over outfield bench options. The Angels now have five days to trade, release, or attempt to outright Meckler to the minors.

General Manager Perry Minasian has been active this January, frequently using the waiver wire to churn the roster. The addition of Ort follows other recent claims, including right-hander Osvaldo Bido. These moves suggest a strategy of high-volume competition for the final spots in the 2026 relief corps. By bringing in veteran arms with high velocity, the Angels are gambling on upside for their middle relief.

Fans can expect to see Ort competing for a spot when pitchers and catchers report to Arizona next month. If he finds his 2024 form, when he posted a sharp 2.55 ERA, he could become a valuable asset. For now, he represents a low-risk addition to a group looking for stability in the late innings.