Kyren Paris: Everything you need to know

The Angels optioned Paris to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday. Paris made the Angels' Opening Day roster for the 2025 season and got off to a roaring start with a 1.263 OPS, five steals, five home runs and eight RBI in his first 15 games. However, his production at the plate fell off a cliff after that opening stretch, as he slashed .106/.165/.176 over his next 28 outings before being optioned to Triple-A in late May. Paris will start the 2026 season in the minors, though he could see some major-league action early on if Vaughn Grissom (hand) misses time.

Paris went 2-for-3 with a triple, a walk, two runs, an RBI and three stolen bases Wednesday against the White Sox in a Cactus League win. Paris didn't start the contest, but he took over at shortstop in the bottom of the first inning after Vaughn Grissom exited due to a hand injury. Paris made the most of the opportunity, swiping three bags and collecting a pair of hits. Paris made the team's Opening Day roster last year and had a red-hot start with a 1.263 OPS, five homers and five thefts over his first 15 games, but he dropped off dramatically thereafter and finished the season in the minors. He's not a favorite to break camp with the big club this season, but if Grissom's injury leads to an IL stint, the door for Paris to make the roster would crack open a little wider. As he demonstrated Wednesday, Paris could make an impact on the basepaths if he does get an opportunity, and he ranked in the 90th percentile leaguewide in sprint speed in 2025.

Paris (undisclosed) was activated from the 7-day injured list Thursday. Paris completed a brief rehab assignment after suffering an unspecified injury July 3 and has flashed some power since his return to Triple-A Salt Lake. He's gone 2-for-10 with two home runs and six RBI in three appearances.