LA Angels: 2 players who have justified Angels’ faith, 1 who has not

The LA Angels have had one of the most rollercoaster-like seasons in the MLB this year.

From the Albert Pujols drama, to Mike Trout getting injured, to Mickey Callaway being essentially banned, to the Halos’ monstrous efforts in June, the Angels have been through a ridiculous amount of adversity this season.

Some players on the team have really aided in helping the team overcome the issues they’ve faced, and others not so much. There are two in particular that have risen to the occasion, and justified the faith that the Angels have placed in them this year. There’s one in particular, however, who’s been a bit of a bust.

No. 1 player who has justified the Angels’ faith in him this season: Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani has been the best player in baseball this season, and anyone who disagrees is incredibly wrong.

He has absolutely been the most valuable player in the American League so far.

As a DH, he is hitting .269/.353/.608. His OPS is .961, which is third in the AL (just like his slugging percentage). He’s also third in the AL in home runs (17) and has driven in 45 runs in 60 games.

As a starting pitcher, he sports a 2.85 ERA in nine starts, and is tied for second in the AL with 12.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

Not only is he one of the AL’s best pitchers and hitters, but he also leads the Angels with nine stolen bases and has taken many innings in the outfield this season.

He’s the most well-rounded player the league’s seen in several decades, and has earned every penny of the three million dollars he’s earning this year. He’s been the biggest steal in the Majors. He’s justified the team’s faith in him.