The Angels have hung across the Wild Card combine, exceeding most expectations. Their -57 run differential is fourth-worst within the American League, however they’re inside two video games of .500 and solely three video games out of a playoff spot. Whereas this nonetheless does not appear like a great group, they could have performed effectively sufficient to persuade the entrance workplace so as to add in hopes of snapping the sport’s longest lively postseason drought.
Document: 45-48 (3.4% playoff odds, per FanGraphs)
Different collection entries: Rockies, Giants, Phillies, Pirates, Astros, Marlins, Athletics, Orioles, White Sox, Nationals, Cubs, Rays, Dodgers, Braves, Yankees
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Potential wants: Infielder, mid-rotation starter, high-leverage reduction, left-handed bat
The Angels are usually not going so as to add a full-time designated hitter, the place they’ve Mike Trout taking part in every single day. Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel have shortstop and first base secured, respectively. They’re most likely not going so as to add a catcher, although they may give extra frequent taking part in time to Travis d’Arnaud instead of the struggling Logan O’Hoppe.
Past that, there are a number of alternative ways to deepen the place participant combine. The outfield is superficially set. Taylor Ward, Jo Adell and Jorge Soler are taking part in every single day from left to proper. Ward leads the group with 21 house runs, whereas Adell has been on a tear recently and is the group’s best hitter total. Soler is having a poor season, although, and there is an controversial redundancy to the Angels’ present outfield.
All three gamers hit right-handed (as does Trout, who can be eased again into outfield work following the All-Star break, per Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register). Every of Ward, Adell and Soler are energy bats with questionable on-base abilities. Adell is a below-average defensive heart fielder. He is taking part in there out of necessity and matches higher in a nook. Perhaps that is not one thing that may be addressed this summer time, however they’d ideally have a greater defender in heart and discover room for Adell in left or proper subject.
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