Los Angeles Angels have intriguing piece in Luis Rengifo
The Los Angeles Angels infield may be set for the next couple of years, but they still have an intriguing player in Luis Rengif.
In theory, the Los Angeles Angels infield should be set into the next decade. Even though Ian Kinsler is a free agent after this season, David Fletcher may well be the future of the position. Both Andrelton Simmons and Zack Cozart are signed through 2020. There simply is not a lot of room in the infield for a prospect to make an impact.
However, the Angels may need to find room for Luis Rengifo. The 21 year old has already proven to be an interesting prospect, showing impressive speed throughout his minor league career. After stealing 34 bases in 125 games last year, Rengifo has swiped 31 bags in just 68 games, the third highest total in the minors this year.
That ability to steal a base has also paired with an improvement offensively. Rengifo started the season with the Inland Empire 66ers in the California League before moving up to the Mobile BayBears, getting his first taste of AA action at 21 years old. He continued to hit well upon his promotion, producing a combined .328/.425/.500 batting line, hitting 20 doubles and seven triples on the year.
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Even though he has only four homers thus far, Rengifo showed intriguing power potential last season, hitting 12 homers. However, he did not show anything close to this type of performance at the plate, producing a mediocre .250/.316/.397 batting line, while swiping 34 bases in 51 attempts, between his time in the Mariners and Rays systems.
Acquired by the Angels as part of the C.J. Cron deal, Rengifo has become a completely different hitter this year. He has displayed more patience and better contact skills at the plate, drawing 40 walks while striking out only 34 times in 313 plate appearances. This approach may be the reason why his power numbers have declined, but his 20 doubles are only seven behind last year’s total. Likewise, Rengifo’s seven triples are already a career high.
If his offensive production continues, Rengifo could force his way up the ladder, with a possible eye at a role with the Angels this time next year. He could well become a speedy utility man, as he has spent time at second, short, third, and left over his minor league career. It may not be a surprise to see Rengifo become a similar player to former Angel Chone Figgins, given his offensive profile and versatility.
The Los Angeles Angels, in the next year or two, may find themselves looking for a place on the roster for Luis Rengifo. Even though their infield appears to be settled, he could still make an impact as he bounces around the diamond.