3 greatest memories from LA Angels in 2021

The LA Angels didn't have the type of season they were expected to this year.

They were AT LEAST expected to get to the playoffs, and some expected them to win the division, despite the expectations as a division in general being high.

The Halos dealt with injuries all year, and they were too crippling to see the team compete, despite having a Shohei Ohtani. There were some great memories from this year, however, that we'll never forget. It's always important to reflect on the good times, and remember that the Angels absolutely can build on them.

No. 3 greatest memory from LA Angels in 2021: The Raisel Iglesias extension

LA Angels fans of course have plenty of great memories from watching Raisel Iglesias pitch this season, but the best memory was the one that guaranteed many more great memories for years to come.

Iglesias' extension locks him up for four more years. It's not often that Arte Moreno signs big-name pitchers like this to long-term deals, but it happened. Iglesias gave us quite the sneak peak into what we're going to be seeing for the next four years in 2021.

He had 34 saves, a 2.57 ERA, an 0.929 WHIP, and an 8.58 K/B ratio. We did pay $58 million for him, but it's going to be worth every penny. This is a guy who's had a 176 ERA+ these last two years, and struck out 13.2 batters per nine innings this season.

He's one of the best closers in baseball, and now we have him for years to come.

No. 2 greatest memory from LA Angels in 2021: The All-Star Game

The 2021 All-Star Game was truly special for the LA Angels. Shohei Ohtani not only started as the Designated Hitter for the AL squad, but he also started on the mound. He pitched great too, getting the win while pitching a perfect inning.

The AL team maybe wouldn't have won without Jared Walsh, too. Walsh played in the outfield, and had a game-saving catch late in the contest. One of the most intriguing parts of the game for Angels fans, however, didn't even have anything to do with the two who were healthy enough to play.

One of the best parts of the game was the fact that Mike Trout was selected to start the game despite only playing 36 games in 2021. He was so good that the fans gave him the nod. It was an awesome nod of respect to the three-time AL MVP.

And it was for good reason too. Trout was hitting .333/.466/.624 (1.090 OPS) in the time he played with 23 runs and eight home runs. He hasn't made an error in multiple seasons.

He was having the best year of his career, and even with him not being available to play, the fans still made sure to vote the best center fielder in baseball in.