The Los Angeles Angels have a problem. No matter how much money they spend in free agency, they simply cannot get over the hump. The Angels have not made the postseason since 2014 when they were eliminated in three games in the ALDS. That run of futility is certainly attracting plenty of attention.
Some of that attention is coming from the players. Mike Trout has been vocal that he expects big things from the organization this offseason. Shohei Ohtani had indicated that he would not commit to the Angels for the long term unless they began to win, but walked those statements back. There is a lot of pressure to get this offseason right.
Three moves for the Los Angeles Angels
The problems for the Angels are the same as they have been in the past couple few years. In theory, the front office should understand the assignment before them. But that has not been the case in the past, so why should anything change now?
Let’s take a look at three things the Los Angeles Angels should do this offseason.
Take the training wheels off Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani literally had a historical season in 2021. But it is possible that he could do so much more.
Ohtani was in the lineup nearly every day for the Los Angeles Angels. He put together a season that would have kept him in MVP consideration with the bat alone, producing a 158 OPS+ with 46 homers, 26 doubles, and a major league leading eight triples in his 639 plate appearances. To further illustrate his status as the most talented player in baseball, he also stole 26 bases.
He was equally great on the mound. Although he missed some time with a blister issue and the Angels limited his innings, Ohtani still posted a 3.18 ERA and a 1.090 WHiP, numbers that were all the more impressive given his command issues at the beginning of the year. He struck out 156 batters in his 130.1 innings, issuing just 44 walks, 19 of which came in his first 18.2 innings.
And now, it is time to let Ohtani go. He has the potential to be a top of the rotation arm if he can stay healthy while being that impact bat in the middle of the lineup. The Angels are in desperate need of both. It is time for the training wheels to come off and for Ohtani to take his turn every fifth day.
Shohei Ohtani is a superstar on the mound and in the lineup. It is time that the Los Angeles Angels let him fly.