Ranking the LA Angels Positions By Need Ahead of the Offseason

5 of 9

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 07: David Fletcher #6 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim flies out against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning at Angel Stadium on August 7, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

5.) Second Base

This is the heaviest debated position between fans and experts for the Angels. David Fletcher filled in admirably at second base as soon as Ian Kinsler was shipped out-of-town. Halo fans absolutely loved Fletcher, and they had good reason to. In 284 at-bats, Fletcher slashed .275/.316/.363 while playing phenomenal defense in at second base. For the Angels, a second baseman who can play solid defense and hit for those numbers would be a blessing considering the shortstops of year’s past (remember Danny Espinosa?).

Fletcher will never provide home run power given his frame, but could develop into a player who drives the ball into the gap for extra-base hits (18 doubles in 2018). Given the chances of him developing into an All Star are slim, Fletcher has the attributes to be an everyday second baseman on any team, and the Angels would be silly to spend money on a free agent when Fletcher can win the job in Spring Training, if he hasn’t already.

In terms of depth, there is not much. Kaleb Cowart can play second along with Jose Fernandez, but neither of them give much confidence to the team. An interesting name is Jahmai Jones, the Halos’ #4 rated prospect who made the change t0 second base in 2018. He is likely to arrive in 2020, but a strong start to the season could force the Angels’ hand.

Home/LA Angels News