LA Angels: What would a healthy Zack Cozart mean for Halos in 2020?

During a press conference with media on Wednesday, LA Angels general manager confirmed that infielder Zack Cozart is expected to be healthy come Spring Training.

And I know what you’re thinking LA Angels fans. We’ve basically been hoping for this since Zack Cozart signed on with the Angels in the 2017 offseason. We’ve been severely disappointed, but it seems like Cozart may finally be turning a corner. Despite the Angels already having a rock solid group in their infield, adding a healthy Cozart into the mix could take the group to the next level.

Also, before we get into what it would mean to have a healthy Cozart back in action next year, I just want to say how happy I am for him to finally seem to be right. He obviously wasn’t ready last year after a devastating shoulder injury, and if he’s truthfully healthy then that’s what really matters. This is a guy who was reported to have to possibly be forced into retiring due to injury.

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In terms of what he brings to the Angels, though, is up in the air. Obviously if he were to return to the level of play he showed prior to signing with the Angels, it would be a ginormous boost to this Angels’ infield. Adding an All Star-caliber player to this lineup would make it scary from top to bottom, and would honestly make this team a legitimate top 5-8 offense in the MLB.

It goes without saying that if Cozart were to make a miraculous comeback like that, he’d be a starter on this team. It’d likely push Tommy La Stella to the bench, or require a move to right field for David Fletcher.

However, the much more likely scenario (if he proves he’s healthy) is that Cozart returns to his 2015-2016 level of play. During that time, he posted a 97 OPS+, which would be rock solid for a bench option with his versatility. Keep in mind, Cozart has played shortstop, third base, and second base in his career. He could be super-utility bench piece that every team craves. The Angels missed out on Howie Kendrick in free agency, but Cozart could fill that same role defensively if he returns to full health.

No matter what kind of production Cozart gives out, it will be nice to see him try this comeback one more time. Hopefully he can end his Angels’ tenure on a high note, and contribute to a winning team in 2020.