Los Angeles Angels: Looking Ahead to 2018
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.
1. Improve the starting rotation
The Los Angeles Angels have several of the pieces they need in their rotation if they are able to take the ball every fifth day. The problem is that having those arms take the ball for their turn has not always worked out as planned.
This past season, Garrett Richards missed most of the year with a biceps issue.Matt Shoemaker made only 14 starts this season, and has yet to make 30 appearances in a season. Tyler Skaggs has plenty of potential, but has also had injury concerns. Bridwell was solid this past season, but can he replicate that success?
Given those injury woes, and the question marks surrounding the rotation, it makes sense for the Angels to look for an arm or two in free agency. A player like Lance Lynn would make sense, as he has made at least 30 appearances in five of his last six seasons. Lynn is also another year removed from Tommy John surgery, and may well be ready to take that next step forward.
It would also make sense for the Angels to consider the top arms on the market. Players like Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta would give Los Angeles the ace they need, and help take some of the pressure off of Richards to front the rotation. However, adding a piece like Lynn, and another solid middle of the rotation innings eater may be the more prudent move,
The Angels need pitchers that can take the ball every time their spot in the rotation comes up. Given the status of the rotation during the season, that should be the top priority.
2. Mike Trout cannot do it himself
Mike Trout is basically a baseball Superman. However, even the best player in the game needs help, which was not forthcoming from the rest of the Los Angeles Angels lineup last year.
Of the Angels regulars, only Andrelton Simmons joined Trout in having an OPS+ over 100. Justin Upton helped solidify the lineup after being acquired in trade, but he holds an opt-out clause and may use it. Even if he does not, Upton and Simmons may not be enough to help Trout make up for a decidedly mediocre lineup.
Of the internal options, Kole Calhoun may be the most likely player to revert to form. Prior to this past season, Calhoun had been a solid piece at the top of the Angels lineup. He struggled last year, particularly when Trout was sidelined. However, with a solid lineup behind him, he could return back to the player he had been over the past three seasons.
However, that is not enough. Albert Pujols is a shell of his former self, and while he still hits home runs, he does not do much else. Finding another productive bat, either at catcher or somewhere on the infield, will go a long way towards fixing the lineup. The Angels need a true leadoff hitter, and another middle of the order bat, in order to protect Trout in the lineup.
All too often, the Los Angeles Angels lineup has been the Mike Trout Show. That needs to change.
3. Solidify the infield
Heading into last season, the Los Angeles Angels infield appeared as though it would be mediocre at best. That proved to be the case.
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Chances are, the Angels are going to hope that C.J. Cron and/or Luis Valbuena. That still leaves openings at second and third base, as Yunel Escobar is a free agent and the keystone has been a black hole for some time. Former top prospect Kaleb Cowart just has not been the answer at either position.
Fortunately, there may be solutions in free agency. Jose Reyes could be a fit at second, and provide the Angels with a solid leadoff option. If they do not trust that his second half resurgence is sustainable, then Neil Walker, who they attempted to acquire at the trade deadline, could be an option. Otherwise, the Angels would need to further strip down an already barren farm system to acquire an Ian Kinsler, Dee Gordon, or Josh Harrison to fill the void.
Meanwhile, at third base, the logical choice would be to pursue Mike Moustakas. A Gold Glove caliber third baseman with a power bat, Moustakas would slot nicely in the Angels lineup. However, a free agent like Todd Frazier may be more cost effective. Otherwise, the Angels are back to the ol’ trade block to try to find that needed piece. Harrison, or even a free agent signing of Reyes, could be an option at third as well.
The Los Angeles Angels have a lot of work to do this offseason. Considering how close they came in 2017, completing even a portion of this list may be enough to return to the postseason.