3 reasons to get excited about the LA Angels in 2022

The LA Angels are likely not done this offseason, but they've already created some buzz around their team this winter.

And part of it isn't even based on what they've done this offseason. They had a really talented lineup to begin with, it was just unhealthy. Guys are resting up, and we have a chance to root for a really good baseball team in 2022.

There are reasons to be excited about this club, and they may finally fulfill their potential this time around.

No. 3 reason to get excited about the LA Angels in 2022: Noah Syndergaard's upside

Noah Syndergaard was signed to a one-year deal by the LA Angels. There's not much long-term risk there.

It's worth taking a step back and looking at the positives of the signing. When Syndergaard is on, he's one of the best pitchers in baseball. Take a look at his 2016 All-Star season.

He recorded a 2.60 ERA to go along with a 2.29 FIP. Striking out 10.7 batters per nine innings and only allowing 0.5 home runs per nine innings, he proved just how electric his stuff truly is. I mean, the guy was 14-9 and had a 155 ERA+.

The interesting thing about Syndergard, though, is that even when he's at his worst, he's still...pretty good? In 2019, he had the worst year of his career. While we don't enjoy seeing a 4.28 ERA, we do enjoy seeing 4.3 fWAR, and we don't mind seeing a 3.60 FIP.

That fWAR would place fourth in the American League this year. Even the worst version of Syndergaard isn't bad.