Angels Eye Resurgence with Strategic Moves for 2025
After enduring a grueling 99-loss season, the Los Angeles Angels are steering their focus towards a strategic revamp aimed at fortifying their roster for a more competitive outlook in 2025. Eschewing a comprehensive rebuild, owner Arte Moreno is committed to bolstering the team’s resources to fuel their resurgence, as evidenced by a planned increase in payroll. "The economics for us are pretty good," Moreno stated with optimism. "100%, we are raising our payroll."
Aiming for Stability and Depth
In alignment with this pledge, the Angels have made several calculated acquisitions to infuse seasoned expertise and budding talent into their ranks. Jorge Soler, formerly part of a salary dump trade, emerges as a notable addition with a $13 million per year contract over two seasons. Complementing Soler, the Angels have secured seasoned arms in veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks with a $2.5 million deal and catcher Travis d'Arnaud for $6 million annually over two years. These strategic moves aim to stabilize the team’s foundation, promising depth and experience.
Additionally, the Angels have turned their attention to the crucial role of closing games, entrusting the responsibility to Ben Joyce, while Ryan Zeferjahn and Brock Burke are set to underpin the bullpen as setup specialists. These pitching staff enhancements are critical, especially considering the absence of Griffin Canning, who was traded after concluding the past season with a less-than-stellar 5.19 ERA.
Targeting Key Positions
As the Angels set their sights on refining their batting lineup, the looming uncertainty around second base persists. While Luis Rengifo is the expected candidate for this position, the Angels are reportedly eyeing Yankees' Gleyber Torres to potentially fill this crucial gap. Their proactive approach demonstrates a determination to craft a more robust lineup by the time the new season breaks.
The outfield situation is equally intriguing. Mike Trout, who was limited to just 29 games in 2024 due to meniscus surgeries, remains a cornerstone player with a no-trade clause safeguarding his presence. Meanwhile, Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak continue to develop as part of the right field platoon.
Navigating Challenges and Building for the Future
Despite these promising developments, the Angels face challenges, particularly on the health front. Bright prospect Logan O'Hoppe is recognized as one of the standout young talents, whereas Zach Neto’s potential absence at the start of the season due to shoulder surgery presents a hurdle. Moreover, Anthony Rendon’s ongoing struggle with performance consistency—having not played more than 60 games since 2019—adds a layer of complexity to the lineup stability.
It’s not only roster adjustments that are on the horizon. The Angels are actively considering strong additions in their pitching department with potential targets like Taijuan Walker and Marcus Stroman. The anticipated midseason return of Robert Stephenson from Tommy John surgery also promises to bolster the pitching cadre.
A New Chapter Under Moreno’s Stewardship
Arte Moreno’s commitment to elevating the payroll echoes a visionary approach to restoring the Angels’ competitive edge. The infusion of seasoned professionals, alongside nurturing young talent, strategically positions the team for resurgence. As the Angels aim to re-establish themselves without a sweeping rebuild, the 2025 season presents an opportunity to move past recent setbacks and inspire a new chapter in Anaheim, marrying economic vitality with on-field success.