2024 Pre-Season Profile: Los Angeles Angels

 #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?

2023 Predictions

#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.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: Los Angeles Angels

 #20

The Los Angeles Angels continue to squander the primes of two of the best players the sport has ever seen.  Will 2023 bring about an elusive postseason run for Trout and Ohtani?

2022 Predictions

#9 - 1st in AL West, lose in Wild Card Round

MIH - Anthony Rendon

MIP - Noah Syndergaard

PTW - Reid Detmers

2022 Results

#21 - 73-89, 3rd in AL West

Highest WAR (Position ... excluding Ohtani) - Mike Trout

Highest WAR (Pitcher ... excluding Ohtani) - Patrick Sandoval

I feel like it's important to exclude Shohei Ohtani when calculating highest WAR on the team since he technically qualifies in both categories and almost had an unheard-of 10 win season in terms of WAR.  Then you add in Mike Trout's 6 win season in under 120 games.  Yeah, definitely sounds like a team that almost lost 90 games.  That's because that's almost all they had.  Very few other things worked for the Angels.  Even after manager Joe Maddon was fired, the team actually got worse.  The few bright spots for the Angels came from outfielder Taylor Ward, who had a breakout season, and rookie Reid Detmers who threw a no-hitter in May.

Additions / Subtractions

One of the biggest dilemmas every year for the Angels is their rotation.  They never seem to be able to land the star pitcher (outside Ohtani) so they take chances on lesser pitchers.  This year's version is Tyler Anderson, who is coming off a great season for the Dodgers.  He will fill the hole left by departing Michael Lorenzen.  For the lineup, they brought in infielders Gio Urshela and Brandon Drury as well as Mike Trout doppelganger Hunter Renfroe.

Most Important Hitter

Anthony Rendon

Just like last year, the Angels fate will turn once Anthony Rendon is healthy enough to contribute on a consistent basis.  Rendon is entering year 4 of his 7 year megadeal signed after winning a World Series with the Nationals.  In his first 3 seasons, he has played a total of 157 games while hitting 20 homers and 89 RBI's.  Not the type of production you would like out of one season from a $38 million per year player, let alone 3 seasons.  He is now entering his age 33 season and apparently the healthiest he has been since his first season in LA.  If he can return to the form that got him the contract in the first place, then the Angels will be in really good shape offensively.

Most Important Pitcher

Tyler Anderson

Just like last year, the most important pitcher for the Angels is their free agent pitcher signing that they are hoping can be a formidable #2 starter behind Ohtani.  Last year, it was Noah Syndergaard who didn't really work out.  This year, it is Tyler Anderson who is coming off an All Star season with the Dodgers.  It is really feeling like Anderson is having a true career renaissance, but he is also one of the first names brought up as a pitcher who will be hurt by the new rule changes.  He doesn't overpower, he pitches to contact, and without the shift, the career low 2.57 ERA could easily balloon in 2023.  The Angels, after giving him a 3 year contract this offseason, are hoping this is not the case.

Prospect to Watch

Logan O'Hoppe

The Angels boast one of the worst farm systems in baseball.  Despite that, their top prospect, ranked #53 in all of baseball, is ready to break out this season.  Logan O'Hoppe joined the Angels system in 2022 from Philadelphia as part of the Brandon Marsh trade, and the 23 year old catcher should get a good opportunity to show why he was such a desirable player in that trade.  His bat should play, and his defense should be serviceable.  It's always difficult for catchers to make the jump to the big leagues with the added responsibility of managing the pitching staff, but O'Hoppe will most likely be the Angels starting catcher by the end of the season.

2023 Prediction

4th in AL West

I took the bait last year and thought the Angels were ready to break out.  Now, the Angels appear stuck while the rest of the division is either elite or improving rapidly (or are the A's).  Trout appears to be getting close to the end of his prime.  Ohtani is in the last year of his contract.  This season will probably not be successful, and the Angels will have some difficult questions to answer on where they are going moving forward.

Fearless Prediction

Manager Phil Nevin will be fired before the All Star Break.

One of the most peculiar moves the Angels made this offseason was retaining interim manager Phil Nevin.  The Angels were mediocre under Joe Maddon at the start of 2022, but they felt like they needed to do something to spark a change.  So they fired Maddon and hired Nevin as the interim manager.  Under Maddon, they were 2 games under .500.  Under Nevin, they were 16 games under .500.  Apparently that type of regression was what the Angels were looking for.  If the start of this year goes the same way the end of last year went, Nevin won't last long.

2022 MLB Pre-Season Predictions: #10-1

We may be over a week into the season, but I wanted to finish my predictions before we got too far in.  Here's the top 10!

#10

Philadelphia Phillies

2021 Prediction: #14, 4th in NL East

2021 Fearless Prediction: Joe Girardi will be fired after the season.

2021 Result: #15, 82-80, 2nd in NL East

Most Important Hitter: Bryce Harper

Most Important Pitcher: Ranger Suarez

Prospect to Watch: Bryson Stott

2022 Prediction: 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round

Bryce Harper rode a hot second half to the NL MVP.  If he is able to put another season together like that, it might finally be the time for this Phillies core group to make a postseason run.  If not, this will truly be the end of Joe Girardi's run in Philly.  It might also mean the dismantling of this roster.

#9

Los Angeles Angels

2021 Prediction: #16, 3rd in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: Justin Upton and Dexter Fowler will be traded for prospects at the Trade Deadline.

2021 Result: #19, 77-85, 4th in AL West

Most Important Hitter: Anthony Rendon

Most Important Pitcher: Noah Syndergaard

Prospect to Watch: Reid Detmers

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL West, lose in Wild Card Round

The success or failure of the Angels all has to do with health.  If Ohtani, Trout, Rendon, and Syndergaard all stay healthy for the majority of the season, then the Angels could surprise everyone and come away with this division.  Can you imagine the hysteria around the league if Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani finally play their first postseason games?  It would only make sense if they lose in the first round.

#8

Seattle Mariners

2021 Prediction: #22, 4th in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Mariners will have four straight Rookies of the Year.

2021 Result: #10, 90-72, 2nd in AL West

Most Important Hitter: Jesse Winker

Most Important Pitcher: Logan Gilbert

Prospect to Watch: Julio Rodriguez

2022 Prediction: 3rd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

As a Mariners fan, it scares me to place them this high in my preseason rankings.  Maybe that's why I'm predicting them to finish 3rd, but still make the playoffs and get out of the Wild Card Round.  The M's were a surprise success last year and have definitely upgraded the rotation and the lineup.  If everything pays off, the longest playoff draught around should end.

#7

Houston Astros

2021 Prediction: #13, 2nd in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: One of the Astros three core players left is playing their last season as an Astro.

2021 Result: #2, 95-67, 1st in AL West, lost in World Series

Most Important Hitter: Kyle Tucker

Most Important Pitcher: Justin Verlander

Prospect to Watch: Jeremy Pena

2022 Prediction: 2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

How many times can a team lose a superstar and not skip a beat?  After the 2019 season, Gerrit Cole (3rd in team WAR) signs with the Yankees.  After the 2020 season, George Springer (team leader in WAR) signs with the Blue Jays.  After the 2021 season, Carlos Correa (team leader in WAR) signs with the Twins.  Somehow they keep excelling.  They have to be coming to the end of this magical run though.

#6

San Diego Padres

2021 Prediction: #9, 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

2021 Fearless Prediction: The San Diego Padres will win the NL West in 2022.

2021 Result: #16, 79-83, 3rd in NL West

Most Important Hitter: Manny Machado

Most Important Pitcher: Yu Darvish

Prospect to Watch: C.J. Abrams

2022 Prediction: 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

The Padres had an epic meltdown in 2021, going from one of the best teams in baseball in the first half to looking like a mess in the second half.  Now they have one of the best managers in the game, one of the best young stars in the game, and still one of the best storylines in the game.  The Padres are still ready to break out.  They might not win the division this year, but they have to take a step forward.

#5

Milwaukee Brewers

2021 Prediction: #15, 2nd in NL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Brewers will have no offensive players make the All Star Team.

2021 Result: #3, 95-67, 1st in NL Central, lost in NLDS

Most Important Hitter: Christian Yelich

Most Important Pitcher: Corbin Burnes

Prospect to Watch: Ethan Small

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL Central, lose in NLDS

The Brewers rode one of the best pitching staffs in baseball to another playoff run.  They will need a repeat performance from the pitchers, led by reigning Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, and a resurgence from former MVP Christian Yelich, to make a deep run in 2022.

#4

New York Mets

2021 Prediction: #7, 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

2021 Fearless Prediction: Robinson Cano has played his last game in the big leagues.

2021 Result: #17, 77-85, 3rd in NL East

Most Important Hitter: Francisco Lindor

Most Important Pitcher: Max Scherzer

Prospect to Watch: Brett Baty

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

If it was possible to buy a championship, the Mets did so this offseason.  Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, Mark Canha, Chris Bassitt ... they definitely spent the most money over the offseason.  Now they have an All Star lineup with an old school veteran manager in Buck Showalter.  They just might have what it takes to make a deep run in 2022.

#3

Chicago White Sox

2021 Prediction: #2, 1st in AL Central, lose in World Series

2021 Fearless Prediction: Tony La Russa wins AL Manager of the Year.

2021 Result: #6, 93-69, 1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

Most Important Hitter: Luis Robert

Most Important Pitcher: Michael Kopech

Prospect to Watch: Yoelqui Cespedes

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL Central, lose in ALCS

The White Sox have put together a terrific roster that looks ready to make a deep run in the postseason.  They have had some experience the last few years.  Even though they are starting the season with a bunch of injuries, they look ready to take another step forward this year.

#2

Los Angeles Dodgers

2021 Prediction: #3, 1st in NL West, lose in NLCS

2021 Fearless Prediction: This is the last year Clayton Kershaw wears Dodgers blue.

2021 Result: #2, 106-56, 2nd in NL West, lose in NLCS

Most Important Hitter: Cody Bellinger

Most Important Pitcher: Julio Urias

Prospect to Watch: Michael Busch

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL West, lose in World Series

The amount of talent on the Dodgers roster is borderline ridiculous.  To pick anyone other than the Dodgers to win it all should be considered controversial.  It's also extremely boring.  On top of that, the only time the Dodgers actually pulled out a championship during this run was the COVID-shortened 2020 season.  They will be right there again in 2022, but I have them just short once again.

#1

Toronto Blue Jays

2021 Prediction: #5, 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Blue Jays will trade for a closer before Memorial Day.

2021 Result: #9, 91-71, 4th in AL East

Most Important Hitter: George Springer

Most Important Pitcher: Jose Berrios

Prospect to Watch: Gabriel Moreno

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL East, win World Series

No team has been through more adversity over the last two years than the Toronto Blue Jays.  The 2020 season was spent in Buffalo, the 2021 season was split between their Spring Training home, Buffalo, and finally Toronto when COVID protocols allowed the border to be opened enough to let them travel there.  They also play in probably the best division in baseball.  They also have one of the greatest young cores in the game.  They are battle tested, they have a perennial MVP candidate ... as long as their pitching can hold out, they have to be a candidate for the title.  I can see it happen in 2022!

2021 Pre-Season Profile: Los Angeles Angels

 #16

Starting with the Cleveland Indians at #17, we have officially entered the next tier of teams entering the 2021 season.  Teams 11-17 are teams that will be serious contenders for playoff spots, and it wouldn't surprise anyone to see them be a part of the postseason.  For the Los Angeles Angels, they continue to build a stellar lineup around the greatest player of this generation.  The only question is do they have enough pitching to get over the hump.

2020 Predictions

#13 - 3rd in AL West

MIH - Anthony Rendon

MIP - Shohei Ohtani

PTW - Jo Adell

2020 Results

#22 - 26-34, 4th in AL West

The Angels continue to be one of the more interesting teams every season.  Mike Trout is the best baseball player on the planet, but they can't seem to get him to the playoffs.  Even after bringing in Anthony Rendon, who was their most productive player in 2020, and new manager Joe Maddon, the Angels still squandered another season of Trout's prime.

Additions / Subtractions

The biggest hole for the Angels always tends to be their pitching, and although they didn't address it with star power, they did add a lot of depth.  To the rotation, they added Jose Quintana and Alex Cobb.  They also traded for Reds' closer Raisel Iglesias.  the biggest addition to the pitching staff might be the fact that Shohei Ohtani's arm is healthy enough to pitch again.  As for the offense, they replaced slick-fielding Andrelton Simmons with slick-fielding Jose Iglesias at shortstop.  They also brought in Dexter Fowler to solidify right field so they can show some patience with young phenom Jo Adell.

Most Important Hitter

Jose Iglesias

The lineup never seems to be lacking for production.  With that said, the Angels tend to have a lot of boppers and not a ton of table setters.  Jose Iglesias has a similar reputation to departing Andrelton Simmons for defensive prowess, but Iglesias's bat made a huge jump in 2020, hitting a career high 160 OPS+.  If that production continues, he is the leadoff hitter needed, along with second baseman David Fletcher, to get on base in front of Trout, Rendon, Pujols, and Upton.

Most Important Pitcher

Griffin Canning

The Angels lack the star ace at the top of their rotation.  Most of their rotation are veterans looking for a bounce back.  The one young arm in the group is Griffin Canning.  Playing his first full season in 2020 (if you can call that a full season), he has shown some serious promise of developing into a stud starter.  If he can take some huge strides forward and become the ace of this staff, he might solve all the Angels' pitching problems.

Prospect to Watch

Brandon Marsh

The Angels seem to have an average farm system, boasting only two players in MLB's Top 100 Prospects.  They don't seem to have a lot of talent that is ready to help at the big league level right now, especially with Jo Adell graduating from the list last season.  Their closest to the big leagues is their top prospect, outfielder Brandon Marsh.  This 23 year old left-handed hitter, ranked 53rd on the overall list, seems to be an all around stud.  The only problem is the Angels are loaded at outfield, with Justin Upton, Mike Trout, and Dexter Fowler manning the three spots now, Juan Legares on the roster as a defensive specialist, and Adell still the star in waiting.  Marsh might be blocked from a big league spot, which means he could be a trade piece to bring in a top talent if the Angels are buyers at the Trade Deadline.

2021 Prediction

3rd in AL West

The Angels are getting closer, but I don't think they have enough quite yet to break into the top two in this division.  This offense should score runs, but I still question if they have enough pitching to go from good to great.  With Mike Trout turning 30 this year, and Albert Pujols probably retiring at the end of the season, their window of winning with their generational talents should start getting a little urgent.

Fearless Prediction

Justin Upton and Dexter Fowler will be traded for prospects at the Trade Deadline.

With the young outfield talent waiting behind these veterans, I could see the Angels trading these corner outfielders as a way to possibly improve the roster by letting the kids play while also bringing in more young talent ready to contribute sooner rather than later.  They could be traded without the Angels really selling.  They would be interesting moves for sure.

2018 MLB Pre-Season Profiles: #10-6

They may not win it all, but these teams will be able to claim that they made the playoffs in 2018.

#10

Los Angeles Angels

Most Important Hitter: Shohei Ohtani

Most Important Pticher: Shohei Ohtani

Prospect to Watch: Shohei Ohtani

2018 Prediction: 2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose Wild Card Game

Bold Prediction: Shohei Ohtani will have 15+ wins and 15+ home runs.

I may be overstating it a little bit, especially considering this team also has the best player in the world in Mike Trout, but Shohei Ohtani is the most fascinating player in baseball this season.  If he does what he is projected to do (and continues the success he has shown in the start of the season), the combination of Trout and Ohtani might lift the Angels back to the postseason.  The main concern is their bullpen, but their lineup is as complete as it has been since Trout broke into the league.  They won't go far, but the playoffs are within reach.

#9

Milwaukee Brewers

Most Important Hitter: Eric Thames

Most Important Pticher: Chase Anderson

Prospect to Watch: Brandon Woodruff

2018 Prediction: 2nd in NL Central, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

Bold Prediction: The Brewers will trade for an ace by the All Star Break.

I don't know what was more surprising: the Brewers' 2017 season or the Brewers 2018 offseason.  The Brewers came up just short of the playoffs in 2017, greatly surpassing most expectations.  Then, they go out in the offseason and improve their club more than almost anyone else, adding Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich to an already good outfield.  Many were surprised they also didn't land a frontline starter, which was the main area of concern entering the offseason.  That is why it would make sense if the Brewers use their depth in the outfield to go get a starter during the season.

#8

Boston Red Sox

Most Important Hitter: J.D. Martinez

Most Important Pticher: David Price

Prospect to Watch: Michael Chavis

2018 Prediction: 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

Bold Prediction: J.D. Martinez will be the only Red Sox hitter over 20 home runs.

The Red Sox got the power hitter they were missing last year when they picked up J.D. Martinez part way through Spring Training.  They will have a successful season, but won't get too far.  It will be interesting to watch what happens with Michael Chavis this year.  He is the top prospect for the Red Sox, but was just suspended for 80 games.  He is also blocked from coming up to the big leagues by young phenom Rafael Devers.  Even though the Red Sox do not have a strong farm system anymore, it looks like Chavis might be the perfect trading chip mid-season.

#7

Cleveland Indians

Most Important Hitter: Jose Ramirez

Most Important Pticher: Trevor Bauer

Prospect to Watch: Francisco Mejia

2018 Prediction: 1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

Bold Prediction: Corey Kluber will be the AL starting pitcher in the All Star Game.

The Indians have a loaded roster and should cruise through the AL Central.  Jose Ramirez will look to follow up an MVP-caliber 2017 season with another great year.  Trevor Bauer will be counted on to add depth to the rotation behind Kluber and Carlos Carrasco.  By Memorial Day, Francisco Mejia will be the Indians' starting catcher.  They might not get back to the World Series in 2018, but they will have a great season.

#6

Los Angeles Dodgers

Most Important Hitter: Cody Bellinger

Most Important Pticher: Kenta Maeda

Prospect to Watch: Walker Buehler

2018 Prediction: 1st in NL West, lose in NLDS

Bold Prediction: Clayton Kershaw will return in 2019 to the Dodgers.

The Dodgers still have an amazing roster and will be a serious contender to return to the World Series.  They will need another year from Cody Bellinger like he had in his rookie 2017 season.  Kenta Maeda, being the only right-hander in the Dodgers' rotation, needs to have a productive season.  Walker Buehler could help that rotation at some point as well.  The big story is whether Clayton Kershaw will opt out of his contract after the season and hit free agency.  Whether he opts out or not, he will be a Dodger in 2019.  How could he be anything else?

2017 Pre-Season Profile: Los Angeles Angels

#26

The Angels still boast the best player in baseball, but their production has been declining the last few seasons.  Will 2017 turn things around in Anaheim?

My 2016 Predictions

4th in AL West

This is Mike Scioscia's last season as Angels' manager.

2016 Results

74-88, 4th in AL West

The placement in the standings of the Angels at the end of the season I had right on as they slid one more spot down the AL West in 2016.  Mike Trout once again was dominant as he won another MVP, but the rest of the roster was underwhelming as the Angels found themselves heading in the wrong direction.  If Mike Scioscia was not such a quality and well respected manager, my prediction would have come true.

Additions / Subtractions

None of the moves the Angels made this offseason could be considered blockbuster, but there were several under-the-radar moves that could have an impact.  Luis Valbuena is a solid veteran bat, while Cameron Maybin, Danny Espinosa, and Ben Revere are high caliber defensive players.  The most notable change in the lineup might be the fact that for the first time since 2005, the Angels' rotation will not anchored by Jered Weaver, as he signed with the Padres in the offseason.

Most Important Hitter

Danny Espinosa

I think it is safe to say that the Angels now have the best defensive middle infield in all of baseball.  Andrelton Simmons is the consensus best glove man in the game, and with Danny Espinosa at second, they now have a perennial Gold Glove contender there as well.  With that said, Espinosa has the potential to impact the team with his bat as well.  His power numbers have been increasing the last few years.  If he can find a way to hit for a higher average as well, this might be one of the best moves of the offseason that no one is talking about.

Most Important Pitcher

Garrett Richards

For the past few seasons, Garrett Richards has been the best pitcher for the Angels.  The problem is he can't stay healthy.  In 2014, he tore his ACL covering first base, then an elbow injury knocked out most of his 2016 season.  Now he is expected to be their ace, but he can only do that if he is on the field.  If he can stay healthy, that will greatly benefit the Angels overall as he will anchor a below average rotation.

Player to Watch

Nate Smith

The biggest weakness of the Angels is definitely their development and farm system.  For the second straight year, their system boasts no top 100 prospects in the game.  On top of that, their top prospects are still at least a couple years away from being impact players at the major league level.  The best prospect that has a chance to make an impact this year is southpaw Nate Smith.  This 25 year old starting pitcher should make his debut in the Angels' rotation at some point this season and help give a spark.

2017 Prediction

5th in AL West

The Angels have farther to fall before they get back up again.  All the moves they have made are band-aids that don't really solve the issue.  They have no pitching and can't score runs.  Trout can only do so much, and Albert Pujols is now 37 years old (and shows his age more and more every year).  They need to think about rebuilding, but they have nothing with which to rebuild thanks to their empty farm system.  What that leaves is a mediocre team at best with nothing to get excited about on the horizon.

Fearless Prediction

This will be Mike Trout's last season as an Angel.

At first look, this might seem like an insane and ridiculous idea that will never happen.  I mean, who trades away the generation's best player.  When you think about it though, it's not as insane and implausible as you might think.  Mike Trout has been a big leaguer for 5 full seasons now, making the All Star Team all 5 years and finishing in the top two in the MVP voting each year.  He is only entering his age 25 season, which means he has a chance to even get better.  He is also under contract through 2020.  Looking at what the Angels have right now, unless they somehow sign every big free agent over the next four seasons, they will not be relevant again for at least four or five more years, even with Mike Trout.  As it is, Trout has only played in 3 postseason games so far in his career.  The only realistic way for the Angels to speed up this process is to overhaul their farm system, which can only happen fast by trading away their best players, which would be Mike Trout.  Can you imagine what kind of package a team would put together (Yankees, I'm looking at you) to bring in a generational talent like Mike Trout?  The choice the Angels have to make is either keep Trout and be irrelevant for the rest of his contract (which runs the risk of not being good again with him on your roster) or trade away the best player in the league and bring in an unprecedented haul of prospects (which has no guarantee of working out).  It's a tough choice to make, but the unpopular choice might be the right choice.