Fansided

Predicting LA Angels Opening Day Roster: Post Winter Meetings Edition

By Vincent Page |
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Andrelton Simmons #2 congratulates Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after defeating the Boston Red Sox 10-4 in a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 31, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Andrelton Simmons #2 congratulates Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after defeating the Boston Red Sox 10-4 in a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 31, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

In my first edition of predicting what their Opening Day roster may look like, I too anticipated the LA Angels adding a star pitcher to the fold. As we all know, that isn’t how this went down thus far. While there’s still time for the Angels to add more starters, it won’t be anyone of the ace variety.

So, without further ado, our second edition of predicting the LA Angels Opening Day roster, this time with some more certainty.

More from Halo Hangout

Starting Pitchers

While I wish this list of six starters was different, this is what it seems the Angels will wind up with. There is still definitely room for them to add more help (a David Price trade makes a lot of sense), but these six pitchers seem like the best bets to be in the rotation.

The first four names are locks to be there. Injuries are the only thing that could keep Ohtani and the three veteran starters from the starting rotation come Opening Day. After them, Griffin Canning seems like a lock, but I’m not ready to guarantee a spot for him yet.

The real competition will come to the sixth spot. Patrick Sandoval finished 2019 very strong, and offers the potential to be a solid rotation piece come 2020. However, he’d likely be the first man out should the Angels acquire a pitcher via trade or free agency.

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Relievers

Last season, the LA Angels had a very reliable bullpen for the first half of the season. There’s legitimate reason to believe that the same group could be a top five bullpen in 2020 as long as they aren’t overused due to a makeshift rotation. That’s what the additions of Teheran and Bundy do for the Angels, provide consistent innings and keep the bullpen fresh.

Want your voice heard? Join the Halo Hangout team!

Write for us!

There’s two names I wanted to point out here. The first is Felix Pena. He was a solid starter/bulk guy for the Angels last season, but could be moved to the bullpen in 2020. His ability to go multiple innings at a time could provide some much-needed relief for the other bullpen arms on the team. Using one pitcher in Pena to bridge the game from starter to closer rather than burning three arms is a valuable skill.

The second, and likely more exciting name, is Keynan Middleton. The Angels’ young stud of a reliever missed the majority of last season recovering from Tommy John, but could be in line for a big time breakout in 2020. His ability to throw a triple digit fastball along with loopy offspeed pitches could be a devastating mix to add to this bullpen.

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Infielders

This was a hard group to put together, and may seem larger than usual. Nine guys for the infield is a large percentage of the roster set for these five positions. However, two of the guys could be considered with different groups in Jared Walsh and David Fletcher. Walsh is obviously a reliever as well as first baseman, while David Fletcher is literally everything.

The highlight of the group is new superstar Anthony Rendon. The biggest signing of the offseason, Rendon makes the Angels better in every phase of the game. He and Andrelton Simmons form one of the best defensive duos in the MLB now, and bring a punch at the plate as well.

Trending. Top 3 Catchers Remaining in FA

Luis Rengifo was the one guy I considered leaving off the roster. However, Fletcher’s ability to move to the outfield when needed created a debate between Rengifo and carrying four traditional outfielders. However, Rengifo showed flashes last season and his versatility plays well off the bench.

The catcher position for the Angels is in flux right now, but this is how I see it panning out. Max Stassi and Jason Castro create both a righty/lefty platoon and offensive and defensive pairing with Castro providing the pop and Stassi bringing the defense.

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Outfielders

Let’s start off with the name is not here: Jo Adell. I don’t believe the Angels will begin the season with Jo Adell on their 25-man roster. Whether it’s service time manipulation or the Angels genuinely believe he needs more time to develop in Triple-A, it doesn’t look like their top prospect will be alongside Mike Trout to start 2020.

Speaking of Mike Trout, I hope you’re all ready for his best season yet. With Anthony Rendon hitting behind him, Trout is going to score more and see more pitches to hit than he likely has in five years.

Justin Upton is coming off a disastrous 2019 season, but is a great candidate for a comeback season in 2020. His numbers since arriving in Anaheim have still be exceptional outside of last year, and I view his dip in production due to irregular playing time rather than regressing.

Next. Alex Wood Makes a Lot of Sense for Angels

Brian Goodwin is the easy choice to be the third (or fourth depending where Fletcher plays) outfielder. He gave the Angels near-elite numbers when starting last season, and could be the regular starter until Adell is deemed ready by Angels brass.

There isn’t much surprise in this group, which is kind of a nice reality to have for any position group in Anaheim.

Next
Home / LA Angels News

Schedule