The Los Angeles Angels are embarking on a transformative journey as they aim to climb out of the depths of a challenging 99-loss season. Under the stewardship of owner Arte Moreno, the franchise is striving to overhaul its roster with a strategic plan that stops short of a full-scale rebuild, setting sights on a competitive future in the 2025 season.
Fresh Faces and Financial Flexibility
The Angels have decided to open their wallet to bring fresh talent into the squad. "The economics for us are pretty good. ... 100%, we are raising our payroll," Moreno confidently stated, affirming the team's financial commitment. This shift in strategy is evident with the acquisition of key players such as Jorge Soler, Kyle Hendricks, and Travis d'Arnaud. Soler, brought in through a salary dump trade, adds a powerful bat to the lineup with his $13 million annual contract over two seasons. Meanwhile, the veteran presence of d'Arnaud, secured at $6 million per year for two years, and Hendricks' $2.5 million deal, reflect the team’s balanced approach toward strengthening their roster.
Austin Hedges joins the team with a $4 million contract, promising defensive stability and experience. While these signings indicate a shift in the Angels' strategy, they also represent a significant increase in payroll, underscoring Moreno's commitment to a revitalized roster.
Youth and Resilience
Despite the influx of seasoned players, the Angels continue to emphasize youth development. Logan O'Hoppe stands out as one of the team’s promising young talents, potentially playing a crucial role in the organization’s future. However, challenges lie ahead, with Zach Neto possibly missing the start of the 2025 season due to shoulder surgery. His absence might be felt, given his potential to impact the team's success.
The outfield concerns are compounded by Mike Trout’s limited participation during the 2024 season, where meniscus surgeries restricted him to only 29 games. With a no-trade clause in his contract, Trout remains a central asset, albeit one whose health will be critical for the team’s on-field success.
Strengthening Potential and Depth
The Angels are also examining ways to improve their pitching roster. Formerly part of their pitching lineup, Griffin Canning was traded after closing out the season with a 5.19 ERA, paving the way for potential acquisitions like Taijuan Walker and Marcus Stroman. The bullpen seems to be in capable hands with Ben Joyce positioned as the closer, complemented by setup specialists Ryan Zeferjahn and Brock Burke.
Adding to the anticipation is the expected midseason return of Robert Stephenson post-Tommy John surgery, which could add depth and experience to the bullpen at a crucial time. With these strategies, the Angels aim to build a pitching staff that can withstand the rigors and challenges of a demanding season.
Infield Dynamics
The infield, particularly second base, remains an area the Angels might further refine. Luis Rengifo is projected to occupy this role, though the club has hinted at potential interest in acquiring Gleyber Torres to enhance their infield's capabilities. Meanwhile, Anthony Rendon’s ongoing struggles with consistency, having not surpassed 60 games played in a season since 2019, continue to raise questions about his availability and role.
Balancing experience, new talent acquisition, and nurturing upcoming prospects, the Los Angeles Angels are cautiously crafting a path toward renewed success. The franchise's determination is clear, with its expanded payroll and strategic additions aimed at ending the era of lengthy rebuilds in favor of a more competitive presence in Major League Baseball’s fiercely contested landscape.