The Angels' infield is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2023 season. Young talent like Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel are showing promise, but injuries and inconsistent performances have plagued the team. The Angels are exploring various options, including free agency and internal prospects, to solidify their infield for the upcoming season.
The Angels ' infield is anchored by young shortstop Zach Neto and includes, clockwise from top center, versatile Luis Rengifo, oft-injured third baseman Anthony Rendon, first baseman Nolan Schanuel and second base option Kevin Newman, with 2024 first-round draft pick Christian Moore, among the other potential options. Angels pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training on Feb. 11.
As we count down the days until camp begins, we are going through the various position groups to give a breakdown of where the roster stands. Today, the infielders. Previously, the Angels had a strong showing from some of their young players. Shortstop Zach Neto hit 23 home runs and stole 30 bases in his first full season in the majors. First baseman Nolan Schanuel hit 13 homers with a .706 OPS in his first full season, which wasn’t much for an everyday first baseman, but it was a promising start. After that, though, the Angels had problems. Luis Rengifo was having a strong year, with a .763 OPS, but he missed most of the final three months with a wrist injury that required surgery. Third baseman Anthony Rendon was once again hurt for most of the season, playing just 57 games and producing a .574 OPS. Brandon Drury, who was penciled in to be their starting second baseman, had an awful season, posting a .469 OPS. The Angels ranked dead last in the majors in WAR at second base and 23rd at third. With Rendon and Drury both coming off injuries, the problems could be even more severe in 2025. The best-case scenario is Neto doesn’t miss any time following surgery, and he and Schanuel both take steps forward with their experience. The team would also like to see Rengifo do what he did last year, but over a full season. It might be too much to ask, but it would help if Rendon could simply stay on the field, though, because he didn’t perform well even when he was healthy. If Rendon can’t play, Rengifo is the best option at third. That leaves second base open. The Angels brought in veteran Kevin Newman on a minor-league deal. Newman is a better backup than the Angels have had in recent years, but they’d still prefer not to need him to play everyday. They also signed Kyren Paris, a first and third baseman, to a minor-league deal. Kyren Paris is the most experienced of their homegrown prospects who could see some time. First baseman Niko Kavadas showed encouraging signs in the Arizona Fall League. Of course, the big name is Christian Moore, who was the Angels' top pick last September if he didn’t get hurt. The Angels think enough of him that they won’t hesitate to give him a shot at the big leagues as soon as they think he’s ready.The Angels would love to have an everyday infield of Schanuel, Moore, Neto and Rengifo. The Angels have been connected to free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, although that move would raise some questions. The Angels’ infield needs are primarily at second and third, and they have Schanuel to play first. Alonso also would cost the Angels a draft pick next year. However, if they just want to upgrade the offense, despite an imperfect positional fit, Alonso would do it. If the Angels signed him, they could try Schanuel in the outfield or send him to the minors.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ANGELS INFIELD PROSPECTS FREE AGENCY INJURIES PERFORMANCE
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