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Last Tuesday, utility player Brandon Drury and the Los Angeles Angels reached an agreement on a two-year, $17 million deal. The deal adds former Silver Slugger Award winners to a lineup that has already seen the arrival of infielder Gio Urshera and outfielder Hunter Renfro this offseason.

Drury, then 30, won the award in his breakout year in 2022, batting .263/.320/.492 with 28 home runs and 87 RBIs. Drury has played in all four of his infield positions as well as right field this season, demonstrating his flexibility.

wow great sign @angel Brandon Drury 2 year 17 million contract. He brings good attack and defense. I hope he helps the Angels win the World Series for the team and the fans. #respecthttps://t.co/0YBD7R1fZR

“It’s great to sign Brandon Drury of the Angels to a two-year, 17 million deal. He brings great offense and defense. He’s helping the Angels win the World Series for the team and the fans. I hope you can help.” – BrandonSchaer

Drury joined the Reds on day one after signing a minor league deal with Cincinnati in March. After that, he hit his 20th home run in his 92th game, making him a target of a hit-and-run highly sought-after trade as the deadline loomed.

San Diego acquired him in exchange for young shortstop Victor Acosta, and Drury’s performance with the Padres declined, but he was still an above-average hitter.

Brandon Drury has a good relationship with Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin

Two years and $17 million seemed like a pretty good deal for a player who had 28 homers and 87 RBIs in OPS.813 last season. Many sources have revealed why he ended up paying his $8.5 million for the season. Drury aspired to play for the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim.

In a recent article for the Miami Herald, radio host Craig Misch reported that the Miami Marlins acquired Brandon Drury this offseason. But according to Misch, Drury chose the Angels because of their relationship with Phil Nevin. Misch wrote:

“However, Drury had a previous relationship with Angels manager Phil Nevin, signing a two-year, $17 million contract with the Angels.” –Craig Misch

Brandon Drury and his family visit Disneyland every year and try to attend as many Angels games as possible. These trips took place in Los Angeles around his 2000 to his 2010 Angels heyday. Drury developed a great love for the Angels. The whole family is planning to visit Disneyland again next week’s vacation.

Drury and Nevin’s relationship dates back to 2015, when Nevin managed Reno Aces, a triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Drury played as an ace.

It is also reported that Nevin, then the Los Angeles Angels’ third base coach, advised Drury to sign with the Cincinnati Reds instead of the Angels in March 2022. baseball Ground.

Those who know Nevin well say they care about Brandon Drury, a player he admires, and want the best for him. Drury, in his opinion, could get more playing time with the Reds if he hit at the Great American Ball Park.

Drury won the Silver Slugger Award for the utility position. And on Tuesday night, he paid tribute to his friendship with Nevin, now manager of the Los Angeles Angels.