3 non-roster invitees who could steal Opening Day roster spots for the Angels

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The Los Angeles Angels roster is going to look quite different in 2024 without No. 17 in the lineup. Shohei Ohtani is at Camelback Ranch this spring with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Halos will be looking to fill a massive void in their lineup.

It's doubtful that any three players, much less one, can replace the production that Ohtani provided to the Angels over the last several years, but LA will still make an effort to compete in the AL West heading into the upcoming season.

While a lot of Angels fans are pinning their hopes in 2024 to the likes of Nolan Schanuel, Zach Neto, and the cluster of young talent on this year's team, fans might be surprised to see a few of the club's non-roster invitees (NRIs) make a run at the Opening Day roster. Who's got the best chance to make a strong impression this spring?

3 non-roster invitees who could steal Opening Day roster spots for the Angels

Drew Pomeranz, LHP

If Drew Pomeranz is fully healthy, and returns to form, it would seem that his chances of snagging one of the spots in the Los Angeles Angels' bullpen is relatively high. While he hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2021 due to injury, Pomeranz has a terrific track record as a reliever.

Pomeranz has been an All-Star (2016) and a World Series champion (2018), but the past few seasons have seen the southpaw spending the majority of his time on the injured list. Pomeranz signed a four-year deal with the San Diego Padres prior to the 2020 season, but was less than halfway through that deal before a season-ending injury in 2021 turned into a career-threatening injury.

Pomeranz suffered a torn flexor tendon that required surgery, and after missing all of 2022, a setback during rehab in 2023 saw the left-hander fail to return to the big leagues last season. Pomeranz agreed to a minor-league deal with the Angels just before spring training began.

Pomeranz's numbers speak for themselves. Since becoming a reliever, Pomeranz owns a 2.42 ERA in just under 150 appearances while striking out over 11 batters per nine innings pitched. If Pomeranz proves he's healthy, there's a good chance the savvy veteran snags a spot on the Angels' Opening Day roster.

Jake Marisnick, OF

Jake Marisnick grew up in southern California and attended Riverside Polytechnic High School, so one can assume that he'd like nothing more than to suit up for his hometown team on Opening Day this season.

Marisnick has a long track record in Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, the long-time Houston Astros outfielder might be most well known among Angels fans for the vicious collision between him and former Los Angeles catcher Jonathan Lucroy back in 2019. That event led to Lucroy missing time due to a concussion, as well as a benches-clearing incident a few weeks later when the Halos and 'Stros met in Anaheim.

But that's all water under the bridge now, and Marisnick will be looking to lay claim to what many feel could be an opening in the Angels outfield. Of course Mike Trout, Mickey Moniak, and Taylor Ward will line up on Opening Day, and the Halos secured some insurance by signing Aaron Hicks as well, but Jo Adell is hardly a lock to secure that fifth and final spot among the outfielders.

Adell is out of options this season, so there's no going back to the minor leagues without exposing the former first-round pick to outright waivers. If Adell doesn't make the cut this spring, it could be a battle between Marisnick and fellow non-roster invitee Willie Calhoun for that final spot on the Angels' bench.

Miguel Sanó, 1B

Former All-Star slugger Miguel Sanó is back in Major League Baseball. After sitting out all of last season, the Angels extended a minor-league contract to Sanó with an invite to spring training. During his eight seasons with the Minnesota Twins, Sanó walloped over 150 home runs, including four seasons of 25 or more big flies.

A torn meniscus early on in 2022 ruined Sanó's season. He made a brief return to the Twins midway through the campaign, but landed back on the IL and finished the year with just 20 games played and .083 batting average.

Sanó was unable to convince a team to take a flier on him last season, but participated in the Dominican Winter League last year. Sanó hit .225/.346/.405 in 27 games in the DOWL. While the showing itself was nothing to write home about, it netted Sanó an opportunity to get back to the bigs.

Without Shohei Ohtani, the Halos lack a desginated hitter. Of course, Brandon Drury will see time there in 2024, and new manager Ron Washington will also rotate players like Mike Trout and even Schanuel in and out of the DH spot.

Sanó can play first base as well, and his right-handed power bat could find a home in the middle of the Angels lineup if he's able to prove himself during spring training. Sanó has always been feast or famine ballplayer, complete with a lot of homer and a matching high strikeout rate. However, a career OPS of .808 is something that cannot be ignored. If he shows signs of life in Tempe, don't be shocked if Miguel Sanó makes a run at the Angels' Opening Day roster.

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3 non-roster invitees who could steal Opening Day roster spots for the Angels

Drew Pomeranz, LHP

Jake Marisnick, OF

Miguel Sanó, 1B

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