#16
The Los Angeles Angels have been one of the most disappointing franchises over the last decade. Now they've lost one of their two generational superstars. Could they possibly be better without him in 2024?
#20 - 4th in AL West
MIH - Anthony Rendon
MIP - Tyler Anderson
PTW - Logan O'Hoppe
FP - Manager Phil Nevin will be fired before the All Star Break.
2023 Results
#24 - 73-89, 4th in AL West
Highest WAR (Position) - Mike Trout
Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Reid Detmers
Highest WAR (Shohei) - Shohei Ohtani
The 2023 season was yet another (and last) opportunity for Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani to lead the Angels to the postseason. The 2023 season was yet another (and last) opportunity this dynamic duo came up well short. They made a series of trades at the Trade Deadline to try and make a postseason run, and the team got worse. They got so bad, they DFA'ed all their acquisitions just to save the money less than a month after acquiring them. I don't know how Phil Nevin lasted the entire season as manager. Shohei got hurt and didn't bother to finish the season. Mike Trout had their second highest WAR despite only playing half the season. Big budget disappointment Anthony Rendon once again missed more games than he played. He has yet to play more than 58 games in a season since signing. Even their promising prospect Logan O'Hoppe got hurt as soon as he started playing well. The Angels were a dumpster fire in 2023.
Additions / Subtractions
Not only did Shohei leave, but he just moved across town to the mighty Dodgers. Several other veterans moved on to other teams as well, but no one really noticed once Shohei left. Added to the roster are some smaller moves, like outfielder Aaron Hicks and professional slugger Miguel Sano. However, their most important addition is new manager Ron Washington.
Most Important Hitter
Mike Trout
Possibly the most obvious pick I could make, yes, however Mike Trout's greatness is facing a decent amount of skepticism recently all on account of his health. Trout is entering his age 32 season, and he hasn't played more than 120 games since 2019. He's aging, and his body is breaking down. If the Angels are going to have any success this season, they have to have a full season from Mike Trout.
Most Important Pitcher
Reid Detmers
Entering his third full season, Reid Detmers is only entering his age 24 season. He has shown signs of greatness in the last two seasons, but with Ohtani gone the Angels lack an ace. The Angels will look to Detmers to take some leaps forward into becoming their ace.
Prospect to Watch
Nolan Schanuel
The Angels are compounding their struggles by putting together the worst farm system in baseball. They started the season with only one Top 100 prospect, and he has already graduated from the list. However, he has a chance of being special. Nolan Schanuel was drafted 11th overall last year in the 2023 draft in mid-July out of FAU. By mid-August, the 21 year old was in the big leagues. Now he is off to a solid start as the Angels everyday first baseman and should be one of their better hitters.
2024 Prediction
3rd in AL West
So why do I think the Angels will be better in 2024 without Shohei? Honestly, it's more of a hunch than anything. There are many examples of a superstar exiting and the team improving. The biggest reason I think the Angels will be better is Ron Washington. Phil Nevin was a mess for the Angels. Ron Washington is one of the most respected baseball men there are, and it's a shame he took this long to get another opportunity to manage. His presence instantly makes this team better, with or without Ohtani.
Fearless Prediction
Ron Washington wins AL Manager of the Year in 2024.
Like I said, Rom Washington is the X-factor for the Angels in 2024. If they sniff .500 without Ohtani, this award will be a unanimous selection.
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