The 2023 (And Beyond!) Los Angeles Angels

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ANAHEIM - It's 2023, and the Los Angeles Angels have a problem.

Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani are fresh off of dominating the World Baseball Classic. They now head to Southern California, where a season of uncertainty awaits because...well, because the rest of their team just isn't that good.

Several offseason moves brought in the likes of starting pitcher Tyler Anderson, outfielder Hunter Renfroe, second baseman Brandon Drury, and utility man Gio Urshela. None of these acquisitions are seen as big splashes, but that may be for the best. The Angels' record with big splashes includes the likes of C.J. Wilson, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and Vernon Wells.

With that in mind, fans are left wondering what the upcoming season holds. Trout, now 31, missed more than 40 games last season (a year after appearing in just 36 contests). Furthermore, two-way sensation Ohtani's initial contract is up after this coming year, begging the question no Angels fan wants to entertain: Should the franchise entertain offers for the generational talent?

If there's a relative bright spot outside of the team's two stars, it's the much-improved farm system. Once one of the worst in baseball, the organization now features a trio of top-75 prospects. Edgar Quero (C, #13), Zach Neto (3B, #52), and Logan O'Hoppe (C, #75) are seen as blue-chippers.

Quero, coming up on his 20th birthday, is clearly the prize of the group, but O'Hoppe is a bit more developed and could see action as soon as this season given the Angels' relative lack of depth behind the plate. Neto, meanwhile, is being watched closely at AAA and could get the call (especially if Anthony Rendon, who signed a big-money contract after the 2019 season, continues to struggle).

Internal expectations for the group aren't high in 2023. We've learned owner Arte Moreno has issued a simple decree to his team's staff: "Don't suck this year." Whether or not the Angels act on their owner's wishes will likely determine plenty, especially as it pertains to Ohtani's future.

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It's Opening Day across Major League Baseball, and the Angels have been active in trying to plug holes across the lineup.

In news that got fans a bit excited just a few days before the first pitch, the Angels agreed to send minor-league pitcher Michael Darrell-Hicks to Arizona in exchange for first baseman Christian Walker. Walker belted 36 homers in 2022 for the Diamondbacks, and he also won a National League Gold Glove.

Walker's contract expires at the end of this season. While the Angels are uncertain as to whether or not he's a long-term answer at first base, sources expressed confidence the 32-year-old be able to protect Trout and Ohtani in the lineup.

In addition, Los Angeles called up 22-year-old reliever Ben Joyce, who's expected to start the year as the team's closer. A third-round draft pick less than a year ago, Joyce pitched 13 innings in AA ball, but is being given a shot after the bullpen had, by all accounts, a dismal spring. Joyce's fastball touches triple-digits, but only time will tell if the rookie can handle being thrown into the fire at such a young age.

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Your 2023 Los Angeles Angels...

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BREAKING NEWS: Ohtani To Stay In L.A.
Massive Extension Ties Two-Way Star Down Through At Least 2028

It was clear that Los Angeles Angels management wanted to deal with the Shohei Ohtani conundrum as quickly as possible. Rather than having that hang over the franchise like an albatross, it's been handled after just six games of the 162-game season, and Angels fans are thrilled.

Under the terms of this deal, Ohtani could make as much as $240 million over the next six seasons. The 2029 season includes a player option, and if it's exercised, the two-way sensation will be an Angel through his age-34 season.

Negotiations were respectful, but tense. Ohtani's camp came in asking for 10 years, around $400 million, and an opt-out after the 2027 campaign. The Angels brass had no issue with the per-year investment and a requested no-trade clause, but had significant qualms with other parts of the deal. Ultimately, Ohtani agreed to waive the opt-out year and cut several seasons off the back end, ones that would've tied him to the Angels into his late-30's.

Fans gathered outside Angels Stadium were delighted to hear the news shortly after a 4-2 win to end a three-game series in Seattle. Sources say team officials are both content with the extension and relieved of potential headaches down the road.

The team's focus can now exclusively be on playing winning baseball. The Angels took two of three from both the Oakland A's and Seattle Mariners to start the 2023 season. Ohtani has recorded wins in both of his starts, while Mike Trout has posted a .350/.500/.650 slash line in 20 at-bats. In the bullpen, rookie closer Ben Joyce has gotten off to a smooth start, saving all four Angels wins while allowing just one hit and striking out seven.

In other news, the Angels agreed to a trade with the New York Yankees. 24-year-old utility man Oswaldo Cabrera is headed west in exchange for reliever Aaron Loup, who had yet to pitch for the Angels this season. Loup's contract calls for him to make $7.5 million in both 2023 and 2024, more than 10 times Cabrera's salary. Cabrera, meanwhile, provides depth at five different positions and is likely to see plenty of playing time as a result.

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About 10 percent of the way through the season, and it's been a mixed bag so far. The Angels are 10-6 and leading the AL West despite dropping three of four in a mid-April set at Boston.

Shohei Ohtani's extension still provides a natural high for Angels fans, but Anthony Rendon went down in Boston with a triceps injury. He'll miss about six weeks.

Gio Urshela is expected to get most of the time at third base in Rendon's absence. To fill the roster spot, the Angels have called up third baseman Michael Stefanic from AAA Salt Lake City. Stefanic bounced between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles last year as well and appeared in 25 games for the big league club.