How will Ian Kinsler do in 2018 for LA Angels

The LA Angels made a lot moves this off-season and acquiring Ian Kinsler from the Detroit Tigers could have been one of their best finds. Not only does Kinsler fill a void at second base, but he can also lead-off

LA Angels general manager Billy Eppler was trying to fill multiple voids in the Angels line-up and he was hoping he could get a player who could fill multiple holes.  Ian Kinsler did just that as not only can Kinsler play second base and he does it well, he also has proven to be a very good lead-off hitter.

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Kinsler is a major league veteran of 12 years has seen his role change in the batting order throughout his career.  One big thing is that he has a career OBP of .342 and also a lifetime batting average of .273.  In addition he has only struck out over 90 times once in 12 years.

In addition Kinsler has some pop with 234 home runs and he has driven in 839 runs.  Another thing that makes him good in the top spot is his 225 career stolen bases including 14 last season.

Kinsler is also an outstanding defender at second base sporting a career .981 fielding percentage.  He won a Gold Glove in 2016 while with Detroit and in 2014 he won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award while also with Detroit.

Kinsler is also a four-time All-Star and has had a solid major league career.  He will be a good veteran presence in the Angels line-up and he will team up with 2017 Gold Glove winner shortstop Andrelton Simmons to make a strong double-play combo that the Angels haven’t had since Erick Aybar and Howie Kendrick played together in 2014.

Some people are worried that Kinsler’s best days may be behind him.  It is a concern that Kinsler is 35 years old and is coming off the worst season of his career in 2017 which saw Kinsler hit only .236 with a paltry .313 OBP and .412 slugging percentage.  The batting average and slugging percentage are career-lows for Kinsler and his OBP was the second lowest of his career.

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I truly believe though that Kinsler will have a bounce back year in 2018.  A change of scenery will help him as well as the players around him in the Angels line-up will rejuvenate Kinsler.  In addition, Kinsler will be in a contract year which seems to reinvigorate many players. Kinsler will be hoping to get one last good contract before he retires in three to five seasons.  Plus Kinsler has always been a major competitor and I’m sure his 2017 season did not sit well with him.

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So a bounce back year for Kinsler seems very likely which will be good news for the Angels.   Like everything else we will just have to wait and see how things play out and also hope that the injury bug stays away from Kinsler and others in the Angel line-up.