To the surprise of many, the Los Angeles Angels found themselves contending for a Wild Card deep into September. What do they need to do in order to build off of this success and end their postseason drought next year?
It was difficult to imagine that, at the start of the 2017 season, the Los Angeles Angels would contend for the postseason. The pitching staff was questionable at best, and the offense was Mike Trout and little else. It definitely seemed as though a long season was in store for Angels faithful.
As the injuries mounted, those suspicions appeared as though they would be confirmed. The Angels lost four members of the bullpen, leaving Bud Norris as their closer. To make matters worse, Mike Trout spent time on the disabled list, a move that should have ended any postseason aspirations.
Instead, the Angels persevered, hovering around the .500 mark for most of the season while remaining in the Wild Card hunt. Although they fell short, seeing Andrelton Simmons blossom into a viable weapon in the lineup, and having former castoff Parker Bridwell turn into a solid option in the rotation bodes well for the future. However, if the Angels are going to return to the postseason, they have some work to do.
Here are the moves the Los Angeles Angels will need to make in order to return to contention once more in 2018.