Los Angeles Angels

Team Record: 73-89 (.451)

Fourth Place, AL West

Team ERA: .464 (twenty third)

Team OPS: .743 (twelfth)

What Went Right

The Angels had a aggressive crew via the primary half of the season, getting into the All-Star break with a 45-46 document. Any success for the crew begins with two-way celebrity Shohei Ohtani. The 29-year-old produced his greatest statistical season, posting an MLB-leading 1.066 OPS with 44 homers, 102 runs scored, 95 RBI, and 20 steals. On the mound, Ohtani pitched to a 3.14 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 167 strikeouts throughout 132 frames whereas going 10-5. Brandon Drury turned a superb 2022 season right into a two-year, $17 million contract with the Angels and was capable of replicate his success. The 31-year-old recorded a .803 OPS with 26 homers and 83 RBI regardless of lacking 5 weeks with a shoulder harm. While a .858 OPS is nice by relative requirements, it was the bottom Mike Trout had produced since his 2011 rookie season. Still, he slugged 18 homers with 54 runs scored and 44 RBI via 81 video games within the first half. In the bullpen, free-agent addition Carlos Estevez obtained off to an impressive begin, recording a 1.80 ERA on his technique to an All-Star choice. But that’s the place the great issues finish right here for the Angels, who crumbled within the second half because of accidents and poor efficiency.

What Went Wrong

Injuries actually derailed the Angels’ season. Trout performed in only one sport within the second half after fracturing a hamate bone in his left hand. While he’s anticipated to be absolutely wholesome for spring coaching, there could possibly be some commerce hypothesis surrounding the star outfielder this winter. And Ohtani will doubtless discover a new dwelling as he enters free company. He made his ultimate begin on August 23 earlier than present process elbow surgical procedure that can forestall him from pitching till 2025. Ohtani ought to be cleared to hit by the start of the 2024 season. Outfielder Taylor Ward struggled to observe up on his 2022 breakout marketing campaign however was coming round with a superb July earlier than struggling a season-ending facial fracture on the finish of the month. On the pitching facet, it was largely a catastrophe all season exterior of Ohtani. Tyler Anderson was signed away from the crosstown Dodgers to assist stabilize the rotation however struggled to a 5.43 ERA over 25 begins. Patrick Sandoval skilled some severe regression after a breakout in 2022. Walks continued to plague him with a 4.60 BB/9. He posted a 4.11 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts throughout 144 2/3 innings. And after placing collectively a powerful second half in 2022, there have been lofty expectations for 24-year-old left-hander Reid Detmers. He did not observe via, delivering a 4.48 ERA over 148 2/3 frames. As good as Estevez was within the first half, he had a horrible second half, recording a 6.59 ERA following the All-Star break.

Fantasy Slants

** Mickey Moniak had a little bit of a breakthrough with the Angels this season and was one of some vivid spots when he was within the lineup. The 25-year-old former primary draft decide was restricted in his publicity to left-handers however produced a .280/.307/.496 slash line with 14 homers and 6 steals throughout 323 plate appearances. While these numbers can create some hype for the outfielder this winter, some underlying stats don’t paint the most effective image. Moniak struck out at a 35 % charge with only a 2.8 % stroll charge. Maintaining these numbers may see his batting common and on-base clip plummet. However, his 12.6 % barrel charge helps his energy output. He’ll be an honest endgame dart throw for some upside however watch out to not attain too excessive in drafts.

** It was encouraging to see Griffin Canning throw a career-high 127 innings this season. After a sluggish begin, he was the Angels subsequent greatest starter exterior of Ohtani. Over 16 begins from May 23 to the tip of the season, the 27-year-old right-hander posted a 3.78 ERA with a powerful 28.1 % strikeout charge and only a 6.2 % stroll charge throughout 97 2/3 innings. Health will all the time be a query for Canning however don’t be stunned to see him on some sleeper lists going into the 2024 draft season.

** Logan O’Hoppe was a draft season darling going into the 2023 marketing campaign after the 23-year-old backstop slugged 26 homers within the minors in 2022. He seemed to be on monitor for an impressive rookie season, with 4 homers and an .886 OPS in April, earlier than struggling an unlucky torn labrum in his left shoulder that sidelined him till mid-August. O’Hoppe took a few weeks to get going, however he ended the season on a tear, hitting 9 dwelling runs in September. Just hope your league mates don’t catch on to his implausible end, as he could possibly be a cut price on the catching place in fantasy drafts.

** Taylor Ward was one of many greatest risers in drafts final season. And regardless of the underwhelming marketing campaign that ended early because of the facial fracture, there was loads to love about Ward that might make him a steal in 2024 drafts. He continued to enhance his contact skill, hanging out at solely a 19.6 % charge. And he maintained his plate self-discipline with a 9.5 % stroll charge that ought to lend itself to a spot on the high of the lineup subsequent season. The 29-year-old outfielder ought to be considerably discounted in upcoming fantasy drafts, making him somebody who may return super worth subsequent season.

** The 31 saves on the season had been all the great that got here from Carlos Estevez, as you needed to endure an abysmal second half for a 3.90 ERA by the tip of the season. The excessive save whole will make him the primary reliever on the crew taken in fantasy drafts, however there’s not a lot of a monitor document to tie him to the nearer function. The Angels have a few reduction prospects in Jose Soriano and Ben Joyce, who can push for the job. Soriano flashed spectacular stuff with a high-90s fastball and a very good swing-and-miss curveball. The 25-year-old tossed 42 innings for the Angels this season, posting a 3.64 ERA.

Key Free Agents

Shohei Ohtani, CJ Cron

Team Needs

You can most likely level wherever on the roster and listing it as a crew want for an Angels crew taking a look at a probable rebuild. But if there’s one place that stands out, it’s the rotation. Unless Ohtani returns, which appears unlikely, don’t be shocked if the crew is projected to have the worst crew ERA in 2024. The crew undoubtedly nonetheless has excessive hopes for Detmers, Canning, and Sandoval, however some stability is required across the volatility and harm considerations surrounding the present rotation choices.