The Los Angeles Angels lineup has the potential to be dangerous in 2022. Shohei Ohtani showed that not only can he be an ace caliber pitcher, but that he is a true all around talent at the plate as he hit over 40 homers and stole over 20 bases. Mike Trout should be healthy for the start of the season which is automatically a drastic upgrade to the Angels lineup.
As strong as that duo may be, they cannot do it alone. That makes Anthony Rendon, the Angels once prized free agent signing, the key to their lineup for the upcoming season.
Los Angeles Angels need Anthony Rendon to return to form
Rendon had been one of the best third basemen in the game during his time with the Nationals, prompting the Angels to a seven year deal worth $245 million. He lived up to expectations during the pandemic shortened 2020 campaign, producing a .286/.418/.497 batting line with nine homers and 11 doubles as he finished tenth in the AL MVP vote.
However, last year was an utter disaster. Rendon battled injuries that cut his season short and he was not effective when he was able to take the diamond. He posted a disappointing .240/.329/.382 batting line in his 249 plate appearances last season, hitting six homers and 13 doubles.
The Angels are clearly looking to end their lengthy postseason drought in the 2022 season. They finally addressed their pitching staff in a meaningful way, signing Noah Syndergaard, Aaron Loup, and Michael Lorenzen. Raisel Iglesias is back on a four year deal to handle the ninth inning.
But it all comes down to the lineup. The Angels have some solid pieces, but they need that key bat to pair with Ohtani and Trout. They need that to be Rendon in order for the lineup to truly show their potential.
The Los Angeles Angels have the potential to be a dangerous team in 2022. However, to reach that potential, Anthony Rendon needs to return to form.