What will the new year bring for the Angels?
ANAHEIM — Because of the membership’s impending sale, there was a way of uncertainty across the Angels heading into the offseason. But it’s been business as ordinary thus far for common supervisor Perry Minasian and the entrance workplace.
The Halos have been aggressive about enhancing their depth this offseason, together with most just lately signing infielder Brandon Drury to a two-year deal, which reveals that the upcoming sale isn’t affecting the membership’s capability so as to add gamers. And despite the fact that the brand new 12 months is approaching, there’s nonetheless loads of time left within the offseason to additional enhance the crew.
With that in thoughts, listed below are three issues I believe:
1. The sooner the sale occurs, the higher for the group
Commissioner Rob Manfred had an replace on the sale of the Angels in the course of the Winter Meetings, as he mentioned the league is hopeful that the method might be accomplished by Opening Day. According to Manfred, potential consumers have already been given monetary data, which is an enormous step within the sale course of.
If the Angels can full a sale earlier than Opening Day (and even early within the season), it can enhance their probabilities of re-signing two-way famous person Shohei Ohtani to an extension, as a result of the brand new possession would have time to promote Ohtani on the way forward for the franchise.
It’s finally as much as Ohtani what he desires to do, however having new possession in place would give the Angels a greater probability of retaining him. He is likely to be tempted to check free company both means, as there have already been rumors swirling about him doubtlessly getting a contract value greater than $500 million.
Minasian mentioned that Ohtani reaches out to him usually in the course of the offseason to speak concerning the additions the membership makes and what it is seeking to do. It reveals Ohtani is engaged with the membership and desires to see it put a winner on the sector, which is one thing that hasn’t occurred since he arrived in 2018.
2. The Angels aren’t finished including to the roster
Even after signing Drury, there are nonetheless holes to fill, and the Halos will proceed so as to add gamers they assume match the roster. They had been by no means prone to go after high-priced shortstops Carlos Correa, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts or Dansby Swanson, however they’ve improved their infield depth. Drury is anticipated to now see time at second base, and so they can rotate David Fletcher and Luis Rengifo at shortstop, with Livan Soto and Andrew Velazquez additionally within the combine.
The Angels are additionally probably so as to add at the least one other reliever and will purchase a sixth starter as effectively. Estévez is anticipated to be the nearer, however the membership may use extra aid depth, and including a veteran starter would make a variety of sense.
There’s at all times some threat related to enjoying within the Classic, particularly for the pitchers, who must ramp up for high-intensity video games sooner than ordinary. It additionally implies that a number of gamers shall be away from camp, together with Ohtani, who may miss most of Spring Training with the Angels. Ohtani may choose to coach with Team Japan as a substitute, which isn’t excellent, however the Halos belief him to be prepared for the beginning of the season.
Despite these dangers, it’s an unimaginable occasion which is able to permit these gamers to expertise playoff-like atmospheres. It ought to make for nice leisure, particularly with Angels gamers doubtlessly enjoying in opposition to one another. Could you think about Ohtani pitching in opposition to Trout within the World Baseball Classic? To me, the positives outweigh the dangers.
