3 Angels prospects heading into a make or break year

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Where the Los Angeles Angels stand heading into the 2024 season is tough to say. They hope to bring Shohei Ohtani back and make a push for the playoffs, but that doesn't seem likely. Even if Ohtani leaves they're going to try to make it. If they won just 73 games with last year's Shohei, how will they do this season?

One way the Angels can improve is by getting production out of their young players. The Angels hope that players that aren't prospects anymore like Zach Neto, Jose Soriano, and Logan O'Hoppe take a jump. They also hope certain prospects that might be a factor later in the season can improve.

These three prospects are running out of time to prove themselves as MLB-caliber players. Sooner or later, the Angels might just have to decide they don't have it in them.

1) Jordyn Adams

Jordyn Adams was selected in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Angels and has certainly had his ups and downs. His offensive numbers in the minors have been subpar at best for a first round pick, as Adams has just a .707 OPS in five seasons.

The 24-year-old showed more this season than he ever had in the minors, hitting 15 home runs, stealing 44 bases, and posting an .817 OPS for AAA Salt Lake. His offensive ascension combined with a plethora of injuries in the outfield earned him a call-up in August. Unfortunately, Adams did nothing with it, recording just five hits in 39 at-bats with 16 strikeouts.

It feels like Adams might just be who he is right now. He's a player with great speed and tools to be an elite defensive outfielder, but his hit tool isn't good enough for the majors. He fanned 133 times in 415 at-bats last season in the minors and at a 40% clip in limited MLB at-bats.

Barring a massive shift from Adams, he's not going to have much of a role with this team and could even be in jeopardy of losing his 40-man roster spot.

2) Kyren Paris

Kyren Paris has had a bit of a similar journey through the Angels system as Adams. He was a second round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Angels. His numbers at the plate through the minors are certainly better than Adams' but he has the same massive strikeout issue.

The young middle infielder fanned 151 times in 415 at-bats for AA Rocket City last season. Even more than Adams at a lower level. He did walk more, but the strikeouts are pretty alarming. In his brief MLB stint, Paris had just four hits in 40 at-bats with 17 strikeouts. Yes, he stuck out 37% of the time.

There's a lot to like about Paris. He hit 14 home runs in AA last season which set a career-high. He also stole 44 bases and showed a fine glove at second base and shortstop. THe issue comes down to if he can make enough contact.

While Adams could be blocked long-term by the glut of outfielders the Angels have ahead of him, Paris has more of an opening. He won't make the Opening Day roster in all likelihood, but with Brandon Drury on the final year of his deal second base could be his if he improves. If he doesn't, we could be looking at a trade piece or just a guy the Angels don't see as part of their future. There's a lot to like, but no reason to believe he can be much of anything without an improved hit tool.

3) Trey Cabbage

Trey Cabbage burst onto the scene in 2023 after putting up monstrous numbers for AAA Salt Lake. The 26-year-old practically forced his way into a chance in the majors after slashing .306/.379/.596 with 30 home runs and 89 RBI in AAA Salt Lake. He also chipped in 32 stolen bases and 25 doubles. Bonkers numbers.

Playing in the PCL obviously helped Cabbage as it helps every hitter, but some of the home runs he hit were so majestic to the point where they'd be hit out anywhere. In addition to his light-tower power and really impressive speed, Cabbage is a versatile player which helps the Angels as well. He can play all three outfield positions as well as first base. He's not a great defender, but he has the ability to move around.

Cabbage had his chance in the majors and like his counterparts, really struggled to make contact. When he did make contact the ball traveled pretty far as four of his 11 hits went for extra bases. The problem is, he fanned 26 times in 53 at-bats. He struck out 46.4% of his MLB at-bats which is pretty hard to fathom, albeit in a small sample.

Cabbage has the ability to make an impact with his legs and his bat when he makes contact, but he didn't do it nearly enough to survive in the majors. At 26 years old and not being a high-end prospect, the time is now for Cabbage to show that he can improve that hit tool a bit. If he does, he might have a future in the majors. If not, who knows how long he can stay in the organization.

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