Ben Joyce

Joyce was rusty during spring training, walking nine over 7.1 innings before he was optioned to the minors. He spent several months in Triple-A, but was recalled by Los Angeles in June and deployed in high-leverage immediately. He produced a respectable 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB over 34.2 innings and clocked the fastest pitch in the majors last season at 105.5 miles per hour. Joyce even spent time as the Angels' closer after they traded their veteran relievers at the deadline. He collected four saves in just over one month before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely. Joyce appeared set to enter 2025 as the Angels' primary closer, but Kenley Jansen is poised to fill that job after signing a one-year contract. Joyce should see occasional save opportunities but is likely to work as the primary setup man if Jansen can remain healthy. Read Past Outlooks