The Los Angeles Angels emerge as one of the most letdown teams this offseason, as their primary focus was on securing a deal to retain Shohei Ohtani.
Regrettably, the Los Angeles Angels couldn’t secure a deal to retain Shohei Ohtani, who opted for a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This setback has led to speculation that the Angels might be heading towards a rebuilding phase. Despite this, the front office expresses a commitment to remaining competitive in the upcoming 2024 season.
Notably, the Angels have focused on upgrading their bullpen, which was the sole improvement observed in their roster during this offseason. Sam Blum reports that all of the Angels’ signings have contributed to a formidable bullpen for the upcoming season.
The challenge for the Angels lies in the fact that a strong bullpen alone may not be sufficient if the rest of their roster is lacking. The team faces deficiencies across multiple positions in their lineup. The departure of Ohtani creates gaps both in their starting rotation and at the designated hitter position.
Apart from Mike Trout, the Angels lack impactful players who can instill fear in their opponents, further highlighting the gaps in their overall roster strength. The absence of a well-rounded lineup could pose a significant hurdle for the Angels in the upcoming season.
The Angels face an additional challenge in playing in the highly competitive AL West, which includes the last two World Series champions. Competing with the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros for the division title is considered a challenging endeavor.
Given the circumstances, some suggest that the Angels might find it beneficial to initiate a rebuilding phase this year. This could involve trading Mike Trout, who stands out as a valuable asset on their team, in exchange for a package of young players and prospects. Such a move could position the team for future success by acquiring assets with long-term potential.
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