The LA Angels Need Catching As Much as Pitching

While the LA Angels starting rotation is getting the majority of attention this offseason, their duo of catchers is even less proven in the MLB than the starters on the roster.

Of the two LA Angels catchers, Max Stassi is the only one who has held down a legitimate MLB roster spot. He is one the worst hitters in the entire game of baseball. His defensive metrics grade out as A+, and his framing/game management has been elite throughout hit entire career. The offense is just absolutely awful though. Oh, and he has a hip injury that could sideline him past Opening Day.

Anthony Bemboom, the other catcher for the Angels, has just 54 at-bats in the major leagues. So what’s the story with that guy?

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

He wasn’t anything special last season, posting an abysmal .102/.120/.163 slashline during his brief time with the Angels. Watching his at-bats, he seemed lost at the plate and honestly when he made contact with the ball, it seemed like pure luck. He was stout defensively, but has an extremely low ceiling and is a career backup catcher at best.

So, basically, the LA Angels do not have a starting catcher right now, and there isn’t anyone in their minor league systems to depend on for 2020. This position is an absolute disaster. At least the Angels have enough starting pitchers on their roster to form a rotation. The Angels literally do not have enough healthy catchers on their roster right now.

And I know the Angels know this, but it doesn’t seem like there’s as much urgency to sign or trade for a catcher. Maybe they have something set but want to continue attacking the free agent starters for the time being. Maybe they just believe the crop of free agent catchers left won’t be signed for some time.

But this needs to be heard: the Angels’ catching group is in shambles right now. This was the case before they released Kevan Smith, and is only more magnified without him. They don’t need an offensive superstar given the rest of their lineup is an elite unit, but they need someone who is at least competent in the batter’s box.

There are answers in free agency and on the trading block, and the Angels need to be aggressive in finding an answer to their catching woes, and fast.