By Chris Schad | Updated: May 24, 2025
In a bold and unexpected twist that’s sending shockwaves through the American League, veteran outfielder Hunter Renfroe is set to make a dramatic return to the Los Angeles Angels on June 1, just weeks after his abrupt and stunning release by the Kansas City Royals. With the Angels still clawing to stay in contention and searching for a jolt of offense, the reunion with Renfroe is being hailed as both a nostalgic return and a calculated risk with serious upside.
Renfroe, 33, was released after a rough start with Kansas City, where he hit just .182/.241/.242 with no home runs in 35 games. His early season struggles led the Royals to designate him for assignment earlier this month — a move that caught many by surprise given his proven track record as a power-hitting corner outfielder.
But while his time in Kansas City came to an unceremonious end, it didn’t take long for Renfroe to find a familiar landing spot. The Los Angeles Angels, a team he previously played for in 2023, acted quickly to bring the slugger back to Anaheim in hopes of rediscovering the pop he once brought to the middle of their lineup.
Renfroe’s prior stint with the Angels was marked by stretches of consistency and raw power. In 2023, he clubbed 20 home runs, drove in 62 runs, and played solid defense across both corner outfield positions. While his time in Anaheim was relatively brief, the impression he left on the coaching staff and clubhouse was enough to warrant a second opportunity.
General Manager Perry Minasian explained the reasoning behind the move.
“We believe in second chances — especially when it comes to players who have already proven they can thrive in this environment,” said Minasian. “Hunter brings veteran experience, clubhouse leadership, and — if he can find his swing — the kind of power that can change the game in a single at-bat.”
The Angels, currently hovering around .500 and battling a wave of inconsistency, are in desperate need of offensive reinforcements. With Mike Trout recovering from injury and the rest of the lineup producing uneven results, Renfroe’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment in the season.
He is expected to rejoin the team in time for their June 1 series opener against the Houston Astros at Angel Stadium. Fans can expect him to slot into the middle of the order, potentially as a designated hitter or rotating through right field.
Renfroe’s excitement about the move was evident in a social media post shared shortly after the announcement.
“Back where it feels like home. Ready to help the squad and make something special happen in Anaheim,” he wrote.
While the move is not without its risks — particularly given his recent slump — the upside for the Angels is clear. Renfroe’s career .776 OPS and history of 25+ home run seasons could be exactly what this team needs to stay competitive in the AL West race.
If the reunion pans out, it could be one of the most impactful midseason turnarounds of the year.
For now, Angels fans can only wait and see whether Hunter Renfroe’s second act in Los Angeles will be a story of redemption — or another chapter in a career still searching for its next big moment.