LA Angels: 3 hitters that can definitely help fix the starting lineup next year

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Oct 1, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien (10) hits a single against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The LA Angels‘ biggest problem was not the starting lineup when it was healthy last year.

That being said, things weren’t perfect offensively for the Angels with or without everyone available in the lineup.

While most of the holes on this squad are on the pitching staff, the Halos could use some improved offense. There are guys in free agency and on the trade block that could help out. Three in particular are easy to take note of.

No. 3 hitter that can definitely help fix the LA Angels’ starting lineup next year: Marcus Semien

Marcus Semien has become one of the better players in this game recently, and the LA Angels need to take note. Semien was a top three AL MVP finisher in 2019, and was an All-Star this year.

It’s mostly due to who he is as an offensive player (although he has improved on defense). In the last two full seasons for MLB, Semien played all 162 games. In those two years, he smoked 88 home runs and scored 238 runs.

He drove in 194 RBI in those two years, and posted an .892 and .873 OPS in the two years, respectively.

The Angels have a need at shortstop, and Semien can even play both middle infield spots. He was third in MLB in fWAR at 6.6. We could do a lot worse at shortstop than an exceptional ballplayer in Semien.

Oct 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager (5) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during game three of the 2021 NLCS at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Braves 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 hitter that can definitely help fix the LA Angels’ starting lineup next year: Corey Seager

Corey Seager rakes, and the LA Angels need to have him on the short list of offensive players to go after. Seager got his first taste of the big leagues in 2015, and then won Rookie of the Year in 2016. He was an All-Star that year, and was in 2017 as well.

He’s a career .297/.367/.504 (.870 OPS) hitter, who hits 26 home runs per 162 games to go along with 93 RBI and 100 runs. He’s hit 40 or more doubles in a season multiple times, and is another guy who would fit the team as the new potential shortstop.

He’s won multiple Silver Slugger awards, and like Semien, has been a top three MVP finalist in this game before.

Hitting .300 or better in three of his six seasons since his rookie year, he’s a great player already, and is just 27 years old.

Sep 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Ketel Marte (4) bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 hitter that can definitely help fix the LA Angels’ starting lineup next year: Ketel Marte

Nobody reading this likely needs an explanation as to why Ketel Marte would save the LA Angels’ lineup.

The issue, however, is how the Angels could make this happen. The Diamondbacks have been very stubborn about trading Marte. They had a prime opportunity to trade him at the trade deadline and chose not to, despite being guaranteed to receive many top prospects in return.

It’s perplexing as to why, because the Diamondbacks don’t have much going for them, but could really start to build something if they traded a massive piece like Marte for several big-time prospects.

However, the reality is that they seem to not want to give him up. They seem to want a huge asking price for the star middle infielder/outfielder, and they should. Despite playing in just 90 games this season, Marte smoked 14 bombs to go along with 50 RBI and 52 runs.

He hit to a line of .318/.377/.532 (.909 OPS), and in the last full MLB season (2019), he hit .329/.389/.592 with 32 jacks in 144 games.

Marte can play short, he can play second, and he can play all three outfield spots. If the Angels can pull off a trade for the popular trade talk candidate, they need to do it.

Next. 3 dream pitchers that can help fix rotation

The Halos will have a good lineup next year regardless, but acquiring an elite offensive shortstop could take them to the next level.

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