Los Angeles Angels

Off-season Overview:

Yet another team in the AL West that had a great off-season. Los Angeles only parted with pitchers Michael Lorenzen and Archie Bradley, as well as with a solid backstop in Kurt Suzuki. In return, they signed starting pitcher Tyler Anderson (a 2022 All-Star) and relief pitcher Carlos Estevez improving the caliber of arms that will compete. The Angels also added offensive depth acquiring Gio Urshella from the Twins, a big power bat in Hunter Renfroe from the Brewers, and will rely on rookie catcher Logan O'Hoppe who has put up some big numbers in the minors but was stymied by JT Realmuto's continued success in the Phillies organization. This team certainly got better this off-season, but is it enough? Pitching remains the biggest question. Sure, they improved with the addition of Anderson and they still own the contract of MLB's mega superstar, Shohei Ohtani. If the lefties Reid Detmers and Patrick Sandoval continue to improve, this team has a shot, albeit a long one.

Ceiling:

A trip to the ALDS. There is no question that the Angels improved this offseason. It's just not enough to make them contenders. Considering it is the Trout / Ohtani show that the Angels put on every night, and for good reason, it is a shame we have to see these two superstars miss another postseason. Even worse, if the Angels want a chance at re-signing Ohtani next offseason, Los Angeles needs to prove that they are dedicated to winning and can win. If pitching continues to improve and their key offensive pieces not named Mike Trout can find the production that the Angels paid for, this team could make a push. One of the biggest offensive factors, however, is Anthony Rendon's health. Once a standout in Washington, Rendon signed a 7 year/245 million dollar contract with the Angels in 2020 and has played only 157 games. Los Angeles needs him healthy and to play like the all star 3rd baseman they signed.

Floor:

A 5th place AL West finish. I don't think the Angels are worse than Oakland. BUT...if the first half of the season does not produce playoff promise, I expect Los Angeles to part ways with at least one of the money-sucking superstars not named Mike Trout. Even if Ohtani makes it to free agency without being traded, this is his last season as an Angel. (Note, I didn't say this was his last season in Los Angeles). The business friendly move for the Angels is to sell Ohtani for as many prospects as possible and upgrade the miserable farm system. I don't see a 5th place finish out of this team, but it wouldn't be the most shocking thing I've seen.

My Prediction:

A 4th place finish in the AL West. There are just too many pieces I don't trust in this lineup. Rendon has proved he doesn't stay healthy, I don't see Tyler Anderson pitching as well as he did last year, and more importantly, I think the top 3 teams in the West just made themselves better. It's a bummer because Trout and Ohtani deserve to play in the playoffs...or, at least, we deserve to see them play in the playoffs! Unfortunately, I don't think we will ever see them play together in the postseason.

-- Cyrus Beermann