A Look Into Second Base Options for the Future of the Angels

By Justin Gideon | Sep 21, 2020

ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 29: David Fletcher #22 of the Los Angeles Angels fields the ball while playing the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 29, 2020 in Anaheim, California. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Angels won 16-3. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

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Taking a deep-dive into the keystone options for the Angels in 2021.

With the 2020 MLB season almost in the books, the Angels have fielded five different players at second base. While playing the position, these players have compiled a combined WAR of -0.7, which ranks 24th in the MLB. Among other things (*cough* pitching *cough*), it is clear the keystone is an area in desperate need of improvement.

The narrative for the past few seasons was that the Angels lack pitching, with this year being no different. The Angels have a starting pitcher ERA of 5.42 and a bullpen ERA of 4.85, which ranks 23rd and 24th in the MLB, respectively. This offseason, I expect Angels GM Billy Eppler to prioritize solving this problem.

With that being said, improving the second base position may take a backseat, which is actually OK. While performance at the position has been sub-par, the Angels have a plethora of options and depth internally for someone to break-out and claim the second base job for themselves.

I’m looking forward to watching the healthy competition unfold as these players vie for the starting role as the second baseman of the future.

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