Angels Priorities This Offseason Revealed by MLB Insider
The 2023-24 MLB free agency officially feels like it has started to take underway as players are finally signing away and teams are making trades to improve themselves for next season.
For the Angels, the No. 1 priority for them this offseason would be to re-sign phenom two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. However, due to the Angels' inability to make the playoffs during his six years with them, it seems likely that he could be on his way out.
What Do the Angels Do if They Lose Shohei Ohtani?
According to an article written by Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Angels approach to this offseason is to expect Ohtani is as good as gone.
He then laid out the team's priorities in building the roster.
"They are already being aggressive to fill the void. The Angels are trying to land a starting pitcher, bullpen upgrades, a middle-of-the-order bat to “replace” Ohtani, and a corner outfielder. Time will tell how successful they are with that wish list."
Regardless if they are able to bring Ohtani back or not, the Angels need starting pitching as Ohtani will not be able to pitch in 2024 after tearing his UCL near the end of last season. But even if he was able to pitch, the Angels will need at least two or three quality starters to join their staff in 2024.
If they lose Ohtani, that also means the Angels will also lose their designated hitter and will need to fill that hole.
There is a possibility the Angels could platoon Mike Trout in the outfield and Anthony Rendon at third base as both could benefit from playing some DH since they have dealt with injuries over the years.
However, a name that has been rumored to come to Anaheim is former Los Angeles Dodgers DH and current free agent, J.D. Martinez.
Outfield help will also be another necessity for the Angels this offseason. Last year, the Angels traded for Hunter Renfroe to fill the void in right field, but unfortunately, Renfroe's play declined which resulted in being DFA'd by August.
Right now, the Angels' outfield depth features Trout, Taylor Ward, Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell. However, the reality is, Trout has been getting injured much more frequently and the Angels will need to account for the possibility of another injury happening to the three-time AL MVP. They will need to add another body to rotate through.
Recently, the Angels have been rumored to have signed last year's Comeback Player of the Year winner, Cody Bellinger, to potentially become their everyday outfielder. That would be a huge splash for Perry Minasian and new manager Ron Washington.
Ohtani or not, the Angels plan on being aggressive this offseason, and they have tons of need to fill.
