TEMPE, AZ – The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim had a quiet offseason. Even after the MLB lockout ended, Angels GM Perry Minasian didn’t make any flashy moves or huge signings that stole the headlines.
Minasian took a different approach, one based on making smaller moves, addressing needs but not overpaying for free agents. After all, the previous front office regimes for the Angels have tried that same approach and it’s only led them to the couch during October.
Minasian re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a four-year deal worth $58 million and gave oft-injured ace Noah Syndergaard $25 million on a one-year contract with high incentives on the hope that he can be the All-Star he was with the New York Mets.
Outside of that, most of their signings went below the radar but addressed the needs of the team adding righty Michael Lorenzen for rotation depth and veteran relievers Aaron Loup, Archie Bradley, and Ryan Tepera to the bullpen.
Minasian wants to see what a fully healthy squad could accomplish this season under manager Joe Maddon, now in his third season with the club. They will hopefully have their superstar Mike Trout back from a nagging calf injury that forced him to miss 126 games as well as star third baseman Anthony Rendon, whose first two years with the Halos have been forgettable filled with numerous injuries and inconsistencies at the plate.
They want to see if steady everyday players like Jared Walsh and David Fletcher can build on a really strong 2021 season in which Walsh made his first All-Star team. This could also be a big season for talented youngsters like Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh to take the next step forward in their careers and contribute at a higher level as well as young lefty starter Reid Detmers to show his potential.
However, we all know the buck stops with the two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani who had a brilliant year on the mound and at the plate winning the 2021 AL MVP. Despite another rough year for the team, Ohtani was must-see TV every time he was starting or stepped into the batter’s box. He’s not only become the biggest star for the Angels but one of the premier stars in the league.
Often referred to as the Japanese Babe Ruth, this will be an important year for Sho-Time to show that last year was no fluke. If healthy, he will be the ace of the Halos’ rotation and an anchor for the team’s offense, so the Angels will go as he goes.
The AL West will be an interesting division this year. The Houston Astros will be considered the favorites as they are reigning AL champs and have owned that division the last five years. However, they’ve lost some key players like Carlos Correa and will have question marks surrounding the health and depth of their pitching staff.
The Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners also made a ton of moves and spent a lot on big name free agents to be more competitive and potentially make a run at the division title.
So even with the expanded playoff format, the Angels will have their work cut out for them if they are going to be playing October baseball for the first time since 2014.
Every year it always seems like things will finally turnaround for the Angels only to have injuries and inconsistencies bury them in disappointment and mediocrity. This year there is no big time free agent to try and rescue them like they’ve hoped for in previous years. This year’s success will be based on building with the stars and young talent already in place with a few tweaks to fill the holes.
If guys are healthy and some step up, the Angels have the talent to have a surprisingly good season and at least be in position to make the playoffs. In the end, all you can hope for is for this squad to elevate…even just a little.
