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3 Angels players who could be first time all-stars in 2023

By Zachary Rotman |
Los Angeles Angels v Oakland Athletics
Los Angeles Angels v Oakland Athletics / Brandon Vallance/GettyImages
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If the Los Angeles Angels do make the playoffs in 2023, they'll need a lot to go their way. They'll need players who haven't stayed healthy like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon to actually stay on the field and produce. They'll also need players to step up who haven't quite taken a leap yet.

The Angels roster is littered with talented players who have shown flashes but haven't quite put it all together for a full 162-game season. If the Angels have hopes for playing in October, they'll need for certain players to take a leap and consistently produce.

I have a feeling three players in particular will take this leap and will make the all-star team for the first time in 2023.

1) LA Angels player who could be a first-time all-star: Patrick Sandoval

The Angels finally got a full season out of Patrick Sandoval and he pitched really well for the most part. Heading into the season, Sandoval had made 29 starts. He made 27 in 2022.

The southpaw posted a 2.91 ERA in those starts while striking out 151 batters in 148.2 innings pitched. Normally a 2.91 ERA would be all-star type of numbers but Sandoval's first-half ERA was slightly higher as it sat at 3.22.

He has his flaws, walking too many and not going deep enough into games, but if his ERA remains low, he'll be in consideration most definitely.

Sandoval had a 2.53 ERA in 12 second-half starts. Even with his walk problems, you'd think that'd get him in. The Angels need Sandoval to be a consistent performer for them and if he pitches to his capablities while also doing a better job controlling the zone, he'll be in Seattle for the All-Star Game.

2) LA Angels player who could be a first-time all-star: Taylor Ward

I've been one of the leaders of the Taylor Ward hype train and that will continue in this article. Had the outfielder not gotten hurt crashing into the wall, I truly believe he would've been an all-star last season.

Prior to the injury, Ward was slashing .370/.481/.713 with nine home runs and 23 RBI. He was leading the league in OBP and was hitting for power as well. Of course it's unreasonable to expect Ward to continue on THAT pace, but there's no reason to expect his production to take the nosedive that it did.

From that moment on until the all-star break, Ward slashed .221/.295/.321 with three home runs and 11 RBI. He did this in almost two months.

If Ward is able to stay healthy, his numbers should look even better in 2023 than they did this past season. He's going to be hitting in front of the likes of Trout and Ohtani and will also be surrounded by more talent so should have the opportunity to drive in more runs out of the leadoff spot.

Ward is a player anyone should bet on making his first all-star appearance.

3) LA Angels player who could be a first-time all-star: Carlos Estevez

Relievers are tough to predict in terms of who will make the all-star team as non-closers don't normally make it. If Carlos Estevez is named the full-time closer, there's a very good chance he'll make the team.

Estevez is a player the Angels just brought in this offseason to help improve their bullpen. He's a guy who can hit triple digits with his fastball and averages 97.5 mph with the pitch. His slider held opponents to a .160 average with a .118 xBA last season. It should be even better getting away from Coors Field.

Speaking of Coors Field, Estevez has always been an effective pitcher away from there. His numbers have never looked great until last season because he pitched half the time in the worst possible park to pitch in. It's very reasonable to expect a career year out of this right-hander.

The Angels should be an improved ballclub and that means there should be way more save opportunities. If Estevez lives up to his potential and is racking up saves, he'll be a first-time all-star for the Halos.

Next. 15 worst Angels free agent signings in franchise history. dark

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