The Los Angeles Angels look to have their first .500 season or better since 2018 and make their first playoff appearance since 2014.

Where were they in 2023?

The Angels ended the 2023 season just like the previous year, landing fourth in their division with a 73-89 record. They’ve struggled for years despite having a consistently high payroll. Injuries hit hard, with Trout playing only 82 games, Rendon managing just 43, and Ohtani’s season cut short due to an elbow injury after playing 135 games as a designated hitter and starting 23 games on the mound.

Key Contributors:

Ohtani led the way for the Angels on both sides of the field in 2023 leading them team in batting AVG, home runs, RBI’s, OBP, and hits. He also had 10 wins on the mound with a team low 3.13 ERA.

Mickey Moniak and Taylor Ward gave the Angels a big boost offensively last year both having above a .300 OBP.

Key Additions and Subtractions:

The Angels went for a new direction after firing manager Phil Nevin. They hired Atlanta’s third-base coach Ron Washington as their new manager. Washington managed the Texas Rangers’ two consecutive World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.

The Los Angeles Angels strengthened their bullpen with two key signings this offseason. Sources told ESPN that the team secured a one-year, $9 million deal to retain veteran left-handed reliever Matt Moore, continuing their pursuit of bullpen help. Additionally, right-hander Robert Stephenson finalized a three-year, $33 million contract. This gives the Angels a much-needed boost in the bullpen for this season.

The Angels’ biggest lost was superstar Shohei Ohtani having signed a 10-year $700-million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Depth Chart:

Starting Rotation: Patrick Sandoval, Tyler Anderson, Reid Detmers, Chase Silseth, Griffin Canning

Bullpen: Carlos Estévez, Robert Stephenson, Matt Moore, Luis García, Adam Cimber, José Cisnero, José Suarez, Guillermo Zuñiga

Lineup: 3B Anthony Rendon, DH Aaron Hicks, OF Mike Trout, OF Taylor Ward, 2B Brandon Drury, 1B Nolan Schanuel, C Logan O’Hoppe, OF Mickey Moniak, SS Zach Neto

Bench: 2B Luis Rengifo, LF Jo Adell, C Matt Thaiss, DH Miguel Sanó

Injured List: DH Willie Calhoun, LHP Jose Quijada

Where Do They Plan To Go:

The Angels are banking on their youthful core, with O’Hoppe, Neto, and Schanuel gearing up for their first full Major League season. Their performance remains a mystery, as they have yet to show their capabilities at this level. Additionally, the team faces the challenge of sorting out their outfield lineup, while eagerly anticipating if Jo Adell can reach his long-awaited potential.

Los Angeles is committed to Trout for the long term, despite his limited postseason experience. With the possibility of ownership changes, which have been discussed previously but not materialized, the Angels seem stuck in a state of slightly below-average performance without a clear path forward.

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