The LA Angels Need to Move On From Calhoun

For years now, Kole Calhoun has been the LA Angels unquestioned running mate with superstar Mike Trout. However, his slow start to 2018 is showing it is time for a new starting right fielder for the Halos.

While it has been a hot start for the LA Angels as a whole, a few members have taken their time getting back to their dominant style of play. The largest culprit of this has been Kole Calhoun, who has been abysmal for nearly all of the season.

Calhoun has just been unable to get on base this season. After starting the season red-hot with a home run and triple on Opening Day, expectations have fallen for the Red Baron. He is hitting just .174 on the year, with his only extra base hits being his two on Opening Day.

He has shown discipline at the plate in years past with good walk numbers, but he has just three on the year. Those three walks, paired with 27 strikeouts, show Calhoun’s impatience at the plate is really hurting him this year.

On defense, Calhoun has still been his above-average self. He still has the cannon, with three assists already in 2018. However, that is not enough to keep him in the lineup forever. He has already been platooned with Chris Young when facing left-handed pitching.

With Calhoun collecting just one hit over the past five games, a change in necessary. The Halos have a few options here. The most present one is handing the job to Young, but his .182 batting average is nothing exciting.

Another option could be calling up top outfielder prospect Michael Hermosillo. While he is off to a slow start in 2018, he finished 2017 hitting .287 with five big flies in 30 games with the Salt Lake Bees. It may be a little early for a call up, but the Halos could be forced to.

Jefry Marte could also be an option. While his defense in the outfield would be a work in progress, he seems to breaking out this season with a .378 average and five extra-base hits. He needs more playing time, and benching Calhoun for the 26-year old could pay dividends this year and in the future.

Next: Can Roberto Baldoquin Prove Himself in 2018?

The LA Angels need to replace Calhoun. Whether it is with calling up a prospect or giving Marte a shot in right field, Calhoun’s offensive numbers have been atrocious. He has been great in the past, but Calhoun’s time as the starting right fielder of the LA Angels should come to an end soon.