Report: Angels interested in Cozart as 3rd baseman

The Los Angeles Angels may be considering filling their hole at third base with a hot-corner novice.

Los Angeles is reportedly interested in free-agent infielder Zack Cozart to take over at third base, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

No deal appears to be close, however, and Cozart is apparently still talking to other interested teams.

Cozart would be an interesting choice to man third base, since he's never played the position as a professional. In fact, his only experience playing anything other than shortstop came in the form of seven minor-league appearances at second base, the last of which occurred at Single-A in 2008.

But the Angels already employ perhaps the game's finest defensive shortstop in Gold Glove winner Andrelton Simmons, meaning Cozart would be forced to move off his natural position if he chose to sign with them regardless.

The Angels were previously said to have interest in Cozart as a second baseman, but that option is also out following Wednesday's acquisition of Ian Kinsler.

Cozart has spent his entire seven-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. The 32-year-old was known primarily for his glove until this past season, when he suddenly broke out at the plate to hit .297/.385/.548 (141 OPS+) with 24 homers, 24 doubles, and 63 RBIs while compiling more wins above replacement (5.0) than all but two major-league shortstops.

Thanks to both his career season and a creative viral campaign that culminated in his being gifted a pet donkey, Cozart earned his first career All-Star berth in 2017 and was elected as the National League's starting shortstop.

Signing Cozart would not cost Los Angeles any draft-pick compensation, as the Reds did not tender him a qualifying offer.