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LA Angels Kole Calhoun is key for a successful 2020 run

By Ryan Falla

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Mike Trout #27 congratulates Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after his solo homerun during the first inning in the home opener against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 04, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Mike Trout #27 congratulates Kole Calhoun #56 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after his solo homerun during the first inning in the home opener against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 04, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LA Angels Kole Cahoun is both quietly and loudly having a strong season, but don’t ask Angel fans about it because most of them will tell you about how “average” and “replaceable” he is.

Many LA Angels fans are calling for him to be trade for prospects and moved on from due to his “average” value to the club, but the truth couldn’t be farther from this sentiment. Kole Calhoun is one of the most important Angels in this roster.

Kole Calhoun currently has a 2.4 WAR on the season, the 3rd highest on the team next to David Fletcher (at 2.6) and Mike Trout (6.7). He is currently hitting .238/.325/.489 in 366 AB’s (career high OPS of .814) and has slugged 23 HRs with 57 RBI’s in that span. His defense has proved to be game saving time and time again and on top of that he is a respected club leader, 2nd to only Mike Trout. Kole Calhoun provides the Angels with a plethora of run scoring opportunities by offering significant power from the middle/bottom of the order. His power numbers more than make up for his middling contact; like an Adam Dunn-lite who strikes out far less, when he actually puts his bat to the ball he makes the most out of it.

He isn’t affectionately named Kole “Calboom” for no reason.

A big part of Angel fans wanting to move Calhoun is the growing presence of minor league star Jo Adell, who may be ready for the bigs by 2020. Kole Calhouns energetic leadership presence, high level of defensive play, and valuable bat not only make him a valuable piece to the Angels, it makes him a valuable trade target as well.

On that point I can’t deny that he could bring in a decent prospect or two in a trade, but what he will get in return may not be as valuable as what he’s doing for the club right now. He may not be a young starting pitcher, but the value he provides as a leader and right fielder is worth far more than any trade target (unless Eppler can work a fleece for him).

Trading Kole Calhoun isn’t the answer, but there is another outfielder on this team who is very much worth entertaining the idea of training.

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