Let’s preview the Angels as the 2025 season inches closer.
The 2024 season was another to forget for the Angels. Not only was it their first season without Shohei Ohtani, but the overall direction of the team continues to look relatively bleak. With a record of 63-99 (-162 run differential), they had the second-worst win-loss record and run differential in the American League, surpassed only by the White Sox’s historic ineptitude (41-121, -306 runs) in both categories. The Angels’ farm system is arguably just as dismal, ranked last or near the bottom in multiple publications.
Their overall chances for short- or long-term success do not seem promising, considering the current structure of the organization and the state of the AL West. While the Astros, Rangers, and Mariners are not exactly setting the world on fire, all three project as possible division winners. Additionally, the A’s, now temporarily based in Sacramento, were a .500 club in their last 64 games in 2024. It is certainly possible for the Angels to finish 2025 in last place in the AL West once again, especially if the A’s continue to build on the improvement they showed in the second half of last season.
However, the Angels did shake up the Major League roster, even if the upgrades, whether real or perceived, probably won’t be enough to achieve a winning record for the first time since 2015.
Notable Additions
- Kenley Jansen (free agent signing)
- Yoán Moncada (free agent signing)
- Yusei Kikuchi (free agent signing)
- Kyle Hendricks (free agent signing)
- Travis d’Arnaud (free agent signing)
- Jorge Soler (trade with the Braves)
- Kevin Newman (free agent signing)
Notable Subtractions
- Patrick Sandoval (non-tendered, signed with the Red Sox)
- Matt Moore (free agent, signed with the Red Sox)
- Hunter Strickland (free agent)
- Brandon Drury (free agent, signed with the White Sox)
- Kevin Pillar (free agent, signed with Rangers)
- Griffin Canning (traded to the Braves)
For the rest of the roster, there aren’t many surprises. Mike Trout is finally transitioning to a corner outfield spot (right field), with Jo Adell currently listed as the starting center fielder, according to RosterResource. Yoán Moncada will serve as the starting third baseman since Anthony Rendon’s hip surgery in February will keep him out for the 2025 season. It certainly feels like Rendon has played his last game for the Angels, given that his contract ends after the 2026 season.
Catcher Logan O’Hoppe and first baseman Nolan Schanuel are the youngest among the position players in addition to Adell. Luis Rengifo stays at second base while Jorge Soler fills the designated hitter role. Taylor Ward, despite constant trade rumors last season and into the offseason, remains in left field. Kevin Newman is listed as the primary shortstop as Zach Neto recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. This is arguably the biggest blow to the Angels’ roster, as Neto was the team’s best player last season. J.D. Davis and Tim Anderson may secure spots on the Opening Day roster as non-roster invitees, especially on the bench. Travis d’Arnaud will back up O’Hoppe at catcher. Mickey Moniak will likely continue as a left-handed fourth outfielder. While there is some talent scattered on the position player side, especially if Trout can remain healthy, there isn’t enough here to feel enthused about.
When it comes to the starting rotation, I’m definitely more intrigued, though not by a large margin. My interest largely depends on whether Yusei Kikuchi can maintain some of the adjustments he made during his impressive ten-start run with the Astros. Nevertheless, the fact that Kikuchi, a perfectly capable middle-of-the-rotation arm, is regarded as the Angels’ ace highlights their ongoing roster issues. José Soriano is someone to watch, as his 2024 performance (3.42 ERA/3.80 FIP in 113 innings) was promising at times. Could this be the year Reid Detmers finally puts everything together? If not, I would love to see a competent organization acquire him by the deadline. Kyle Hendricks and Tyler Anderson will hopefully contribute some innings but are unlikely to provide much beyond that.
Kenley Jansen forms an intriguing backend for the bullpen alongside Ben Joyce. I’m excited to see Joyce this season, as his four-seam fastball often stands out as the highlight pitch on social media, but his sinker has become a vital part of his arsenal. The rest of this unit features a mix of both familiar and unfamiliar names. Brock Burke proved to be significantly more effective in his 20 1⁄3 innings with the Angels last season compared to his previous couple of years with the Rangers, suggesting he may have potential. José Suarez might receive one last opportunity to see if he can regain his 2021-22 form, during which he contributed a combined 2.9 wins. Robert Stephenson’s return later in the summer could provide a boost to this unit. Ultimately, this seems like a bullpen that will showcase a rotating cast of characters throughout the season.
Regarding projections, there isn’t much optimism surrounding this roster. PECOTA currently estimates the Angels to win about 74 games, while FanGraphs’ Depth Charts suggest 76 wins. These projections indicate an improvement over last season, and I believe Los Angeles could see a slight rebound in the win column if certain players remain healthy. However, this roster has significant flaws, and little notable improvement is expected from the farm system. This organization is in desperate need of a reboot, starting with ownership. However, as long as Moreno owns the Angels, this organization is likely to tread water as it has over the last ten years or so despite rostering some of the best players in baseball for a time.