The Los Angeles Angels are embarking on a bold journey to reverse their fortunes on the diamond, as they retool for the 2025 season. After enduring a grueling 99-loss season, the Angels are aiming for a revival without undergoing a complete teardown. Owner Arte Moreno's assertion underscores this ambition: "The economics for us are pretty good. ... 100%, we are raising our payroll," he stated, signaling the organization’s commitment to reinforcing its roster.
A New Wave of Talent
Ever determined to bolster their roster, the Angels have made several strategic acquisitions. The acquisition of Jorge Soler in a salary dump trade stands out. Soler's $13 million per year contract for two seasons offers the Angels a potent offensive player capable of making an immediate impact. Another notable addition to the team is veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who agreed to a $2.5 million deal. Hendricks brings with him a wealth of experience and depth to the Angels' pitching rotation.
The team also signed veteran catcher Travis d'Arnaud to a two-year deal at $6 million per year, alongside securing Austin Hedges for $4 million. These moves not only fortify the team’s depth but also provide the Angels with experienced leadership in the clubhouse, which could be crucial in turning the tide.
Furthermore, Logan O'Hoppe is acknowledged as one of the standout young players, bringing a youthful energy and potential to the roster that could be instrumental in the team's resurgence.
Injury Complications and Positional Strategy
One of the looming challenges for the Angels is dealing with injuries to key players. Zach Neto may miss the start of the 2025 season due to shoulder surgery. Similarly, the Angels were hindered by Mike Trout's limited participation last season; Trout played only 29 games in 2024 due to meniscus surgeries. As a cornerstone player holding a no-trade clause, Trout’s fitness and form remain crucial to the team’s success.
On the field, Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak are positioned to share duties in the right field platoon, providing versatility and power. Meanwhile, Luis Rengifo is expected to play second base, although the Angels might target Gleyber Torres for this position, suggesting the team is still exploring ways to optimize their infield configuration.
Pitching Depth and Prospects
The pitching staff is undergoing significant changes, aiming to strengthen what has been a persistent area of concern. Griffin Canning, who concluded the season with a 5.19 ERA, was traded, prompting the Angels to consider additional acquisitions like Taijuan Walker and Marcus Stroman. Both players could provide much-needed stability and depth to the rotation.
Compounding these efforts, Robert Stephenson is anticipated to return midseason following Tommy John surgery, which will be a welcome reinforcement for the pitching lineup. The bullpen sees Ben Joyce secured as the closer, with Ryan Zeferjahn and Brock Burke acting as setup specialists, ensuring a reliable back-end to the pitching staff.
Rendon and the Path Ahead
Another critical aspect of the Angels' success lies in the availability and performance of Anthony Rendon. Since 2019, Rendon has not played more than 60 games in a season, and his ability to contribute consistently remains uncertain. His health and productivity will be essential, both for their strategic plans and their potential to climb the standings.
While the Angels face numerous challenges on the road to redemption, their strategic acquisitions and heightened payroll commitment reflect an aggressive drive to return to competitiveness. Under Arte Moreno’s determined leadership, the franchise is poised to embark on what could be a promising season, striving to reclaim its competitive edge without a total overhaul. The upcoming season represents not just an opportunity for redemption, but a chance to redefine their trajectory in Major League Baseball.