LA Angels Need Michael Hermosillo to Take Next Step

The LA Angels possess one of the best starting lineup in the league after a busy winter. However, the bench unit will be extremely important, and Michael Hermosillo will be looked upon to fill in as the only bench outfielder for the Halos.

The consensus winner of the offseason was the LA Angels. After adding Shohei Ohtani, Zack Cozart, and Ian Kinsler, they rounded out a core of players that can compete for a World Series. Their starting lineup features All Stars, Gold Gloves, and Silver Sluggers at every position.

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However, great teams are separated from the rest because of their bench. A big part of the Halos’ backup units will be Michael Hermosillo. Drafted out of Ottawa High School in the 2013 MLB Draft, Hermosillo blazed through three levels of minor league ball in a breakout 2017 season. Now, the soon-to-be 23-year old has to take the next step in 2018.

Hermosillo was seen as a raw, athletic prospect prior to this season. However, he proved in 2017 that his game is more polished than ever, and he still possesses the athleticism to bring some excitement to his game. An above-average defender, Hermosillo hit .287 with five long balls, six doubles, and a triple during his time with the Salt Lake Bees.

Now, the Angels will need him to be their fourth outfielder come 2018. They have perhaps one of the best starting units in the league, and if Hermosillo can provide number similar to those he put up in 2017, then he can fill in great for any of the starters when they need a day off. He has the ability to play all three spots defensively, and provides some pop at the plate.

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Hermosillo is not a fourth outfielder that is going to make people call for him to start (unless Kole Calhoun‘s digression continues). However, he is a backup who is not going to take the field and embarrass himself. Bringing him to the big league club now will also allow him to get accustomed with Anaheim for when he eventually takes over for Calhoun down the road.