The Los Angeles Angels are setting their sights firmly on 2025, aiming to reinvent their team strategy after enduring a challenging 99-loss season. Under the ownership of Arte Moreno, the organization is pursuing a path of transformation that stops short of a full-scale rebuild. With aspirations for a more competitive edge, this pivot involves a proactive approach in the market and an ambitious payroll expansion.
Aiming High with Strategic Acquisitions
"The economics for us are pretty good. ... 100%, we are raising our payroll," asserts Arte Moreno, signaling a firm commitment to bolstering the team's financial muscle. This increased spending power is manifested in several strategic acquisitions intended to fortify the Angels' roster.
Among the key pickups is the power-hitting Jorge Soler, brought in through a salary dump trade. His contract reflects his value, with a $13 million annual wage set to continue for the next two seasons. Soler's arrival aligns with the franchise's desire to inject proven talent into the squad without completely overhauling the team's structure.
The rotation will see a veteran presence with the signing of Kyle Hendricks, whose $2.5 million deal offers both experience and depth. Additionally, Travis d'Arnaud promises reliability behind the plate, committing to a two-year contract at $6 million annually. The bullpen has not been overlooked, with the Angels securing Austin Hedges for $4 million, an investment in both defense and veteran prowess.
Revamping the Roster While Keeping Core Players
The Angels are balancing the infusion of new talent with the nurturing of rising stars within their ranks. Logan O'Hoppe stands out as one of the young players who has captured attention, epitomizing the team's hope for homegrown success. However, there's also concern, with Zach Neto potentially missing the start of the 2025 season due to shoulder surgery, underscoring the fragility of relying solely on youth progression.
Mike Trout, a cornerstone of the Angels, faced a severely truncated 2024 season marked by meniscus surgeries, limiting him to just 29 appearances. With a no-trade clause in his contract, Trout remains a pivotal figure for the franchise moving forward. His role is complemented by promising players like Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak, who form a potential right field platoon.
As the Angels restructure their infield, Luis Rengifo is expected to occupy second base. However, they have expressed interest in bolstering this position further by potentially targeting Gleyber Torres, offering more options and depth.
bolstering the Pitching Staff
The pitching cadre has undergone significant changes, highlighted by the trade of Griffin Canning after he posted a challenging 5.19 ERA. To reinforce the rotation, the Angels have expressed interest in proven arms such as Taijuan Walker and Marcus Stroman, both of whom offer the potential to stabilize the starting staff.
Not to be overlooked, the bullpen's potential lie with Robert Stephenson, slated to return midseason from Tommy John surgery. His comeback carries hopes for pitching stability alongside Ryan Zeferjahn and Brock Burke, who are expected to play pivotal roles as setup specialists. Meanwhile, Ben Joyce has been designated as the team's closer, offering a reliable anchor for the bullpen's late-inning duties.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
The Angels' strategy of rebuilding without tearing down holds promise but also inherent challenges. The specter of injuries looms large, with Zach Neto's delayed recovery and Mike Trout's recent history offering reminders of the season's unpredictability.
The aspirations for competitiveness in 2025 rest on this intricate mix of experienced acquisitions and emerging talent. By increasing payroll and making tactical signings, Arte Moreno and his management team are signaling their readiness to embrace both present challenges and future opportunities with a clear focus on elevating the team's performance.