LA Angels: The 2022 Opening Day Dream Lineup for Anaheim

Sep 29, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien (10) wears the team home run jacket in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against New York Yankees in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien (10) wears the team home run jacket in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against New York Yankees in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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Shohei Ohtani, LA Angels
Shohei Ohtani, LA Angels. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Angels will have a talented lineup next year, no matter what happens this offseason.

Most of the moves that the Halos need to make are with their pitching staff. The lineup is already pretty set for the most part, and would have been pretty good this year if it weren’t for some of the most injuries in baseball.

If the Angels have leftover money to improve the lineup, however, they need to do it. All in all, the dream lineup for the Angels gives hope for what 2022 can bring.

Batting Leadoff: Brandon Marsh (Right Field)

The Angels want somebody who can steal bases hitting leadoff, and Brandon Marsh absolutely has the speed to be that guy. He didn’t steal a ton of bags in his first taste in the big leagues this year, but he was just getting his feet under him. Expect Joe Maddon to be sending him next year.

Batting Second: Shohei Ohtani (Designated Hitter)

Keep Shohei Ohtani where he’s most comfortable. Ohtani had so much success everywhere he hit in the lineup this year, but a high majority of his plate appearances were in that second hole. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

It’s also very useful to have someone with Ohtani’s wheels in one of the top two spots in the order.

Batting Third: Mike Trout (Center Field)

Mike Trout’s the franchise guy. Why not choose him to take the three hole? I know, Ohtani’s arguably the better hitter right now, but we don’t want to take his legs away from that second hole.

We need him getting on and getting over for Trout to come up to the plate. And no, Trout isn’t moving to right field. Keep the best player in baseball for the last decade in his natural position.

Schedule