Ranking every player on the Los Angeles Angels 40-man roster

Most diehard Los Angeles Angels fans pay very close attention to the 26-man roster and also the top prospects in the organization. Some of these prospects, like Zach Neto, Edgar Quero, and Ben Joyce, are not currently on the 40-man roster. Not a lot of attention is paid to certain players who might be on the 40-man roster but not a top prospect or on the Los Angeles Angels right now.

Ranking the 40-man roster is extremely subjective and takes into account how good the player is now while also looking at potential. Someone like Kolton Ingram who has not appeared in an MLB game yet might be ranked higher than someone who's had a cup of coffee at this level.

Let's get into the fun of ranking each player on the Angels 40-man roster. Note: players on the 60-day IL do not count as a 40-man roster spot, which is why the Angels have 42 players.

Ranking the LA Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 42 through 41?

42. LA Angels pitcher Davis Daniel

Davis Daniel posted a 4.49 ERA in 21 starts and 102.1 innings pitched last year for AAA Salt Lake. After posting high strikeout numbers in the minors throughout his career, he struck out just 7.3 batters per nine in AAA last season. He's currently on the 60-day IL and is a DFA candidate once he comes off of it. He's unlikely to see big league action this season.

41. LA Angels pitcher Jose Soriano

Jose Soriano was protected by the Angels ahead of the Rule 5 Draft, something they did not do when the Pirates took him first overall in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft. He was at one point a highly touted Angels prospect but injuries have hampered his development. He's currently a reliever in AA Rocket City

Ranking the Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 40 through No. 36?

40. LA Angels pitcher Jose Marte

Jose Marte is a pitcher who has appeared in 15 games for the Halos and has struggled mightily, posting a 7.80 ERA across two seasons. He's walked 21 batters while striking out 20 in 15 innings pitched. He's got good stuff, but often appeared to not know where it was going. He's on the 60-day IL as well, and is another DFA candidate.

39. LA Angels pitcher Justin Garza

The Angels signed Justin Garza to a split contract this offseason which essentially means he'll make more when he spends time in the majors than he would in the minors. It's not quite the same as an MLB contract. Garza had a 4.71 ERA in 21 appearances for Cleveland last season and is in the bullpen for AAA Salt Lake. He can be an option later in the year.

38. LA Angels pitcher Kolton Ingram

Kolton Ingram was the second player the Angels protected from being selected in the Rule 5 Draft by adding him to their 40-man roster. This was a no-brainer as he posted a 2.67 ERA in 50 appearances and 60.2 innings pitched while striking out 10.8 batters per nine. He's in AA right now, and will hopefully see some time in the bigs this year. Love his potential.

37. LA Angels infielder Michael Stefanic

Michael Stefanic hasn't been talked about much due to the infield depth the Angels have, but he put himself on the map after being a low-level prospect as he raked in the minors. He's a career .316 hitter in five minor league seasons, but struggled in his 61 MLB at-bats, recording just 12 hits. It's unlikely we see him in the bigs this season barring a ton of injuries.

36. LA Angels pitcher Chris Rodriguez

I like Chris Rodriguez a lot, but he simply hasn't pitched. He has 32 minor league appearances (29 starts) across four seasons and made 15 appearances (two starts) for the Angels in 2021. He missed the entirety of the 2022 season due to injury. Rodriguez can have success either as a starter or a reliever but he just has to pitch. He's on the IL right now. What role should the Angels use him in? That's the million dollar question.

Ranking the Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 35 through No. 31?

35. LA Angels catcher Matt Thaiss

This might be a bit harsh considering Thaiss is on the roster right now, but the former first round pick has been an extreme disappointment in professional baseball. He's slashed .201/.293/.365 with 11 home runs and 32 RBI in 283 MLB plate appearances across parts of five seasons. He's a .278 hitter in six minor league seasons averaging 12 home runs per seasons. That's not bad, but not what you'd expect from a first round pick either. His time is running out for him to prove himself with Thaiss being out of options and Logan O'Hoppe looking like a fixture behind the dish.

34. LA Angels infielder Livan Soto

Another infielder who hasn't been talked about much is Livan Soto. The 22-year-old was just a .247 hitter in six minor league seasons but got a shot late last season at the MLB level and had 22 hits in 55 at-bats. He's obviously not a .400 hitter, but he is also better than that .247 mark. Soto is one of only a couple of primary shortstops the Angels have on their 40-man roster.

33. LA Angels outfielder Jo Adell

Jo Adell has all of the tools in the world. He can hit a ball as far as Mike Trout and run as fast as Shohei Ohtani. He just hasn't put it together at all. He strikes out too much, isn't a great defender, and isn't a very good baserunner either. He's still here because of the tools, but eventually patience runs out. Patience did run out somewhat as the Angels acquired Hunter Renfroe ensuring Adell would not begin the year with the club.

32. LA Angels infielder Andrew Velazquez

Andrew Velazquez is the best defensive infielder in the Angels organization. He's a shortstop who can also play second and third base if need be. The issue is, he can't hit. That's why he isn't on this team despite there being no real shortstop on the roster. He could see time with the big club if there is an injury, but he has to hit better than he did in 2022 to warrant any real playing time.

31. LA Angels outfielder Brett Phillips

The same that was said about Velazquez can be said about Brett Phillips. He's the best defensive outfielder in the entire organization. He can play all three outfield positions very well and has tremendous speed. He just can't hit. Fortunately for the Angels, he won't be starting much at all, and will rarely have to swing the bat. He can make an impact with his legs and with his glove.

Ranking the Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 30 through No. 26?

30. LA Angels infielder Jake Lamb

Jake Lamb was at one point an all-star, as he hit 30 home runs for the 2017 Diamondbacks. This came after a 29 homer season. Lamb has hit just 25 longballs in 266 games across six seasons since that all-star appearance and looks like a shell of the player he once was. A solid spring training to go with the Jared Walsh injury gave Lamb a spot, but he's struggled as an Angel to begin the year and is unlikely to stay on the roster once Walsh does return.

29. LA Angels pitcher Chase Silseth

Chase Silseth getting to the bigs as quickly as he did is something he deserves major props for. Unfortunately, he struggled in his seven starts, recording a 6.59 ERA in 28.2 innings pitched. It seemed like he'd get off to good starts before crumbling the second time through a lineup. Silseth has thrown 11 scoreless innings in AAA this season and should see some time in the rotation. He can easily shoot up on this list if he performs better at the MLB level.

28. LA Angels pitcher Tucker Davidson

Tucker Davidson is still here because of his solid spring. He limited his walks and improved his strikeout rate dramatically. He's made one appearance for the Angels out of the bullpen this season and threw four scoreless innings and recorded his first MLB save. Whether we see Davidson as the sixth starter or even in an Angels uniform again remains to be seen.

27. LA Angels catcher Max Stassi

Max Stassi has fallen out of favor from Angels fans, and I get why. His 2022 season was disastrous. His offensive numbers took a nosedive and his defense wasn't great either. Fortunately, when Stassi does return off of the Injured List, he'll be in a backup role to Logan O'Hoppe.

26. LA Angels pitcher Zack Weiss

Zack Weiss is a really solid depth arm to have. I liked how he looked in his 12 appearances and 13.1 innings pitched last season and thought he had a chance at a roster spot before the Angels signed Matt Moore. I expect to see him up at some point this season, and maybe he can stick.

Ranking the Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 20 through No. 16?

20. LA Angels pitcher Jose Quijada

Jose Quijada feels like a mixed bag. You never quite know what you're going to get. Some days he has electric stuff that nobody can hit. Other days he can't find the zone and either walks the world or gets rocked. It'd really help if he developed a good pitch to go with his fastball.

19. LA Angels infielder David Fletcher

David Fletcher is an excellent defender but has to re-discover his swing. He has just one hit in his first 12 at-bats in 2023 after really disappointing seasons in 2021 and 2022. Making contact is great, but when you don't hit the ball hard, it doesn't do much. Fletcher doesn't walk, and doesn't hit for power. His glove is really good, but primarily at second. The Angels need him at short mainly. He'll get some starts, but won't have an everyday role.

18. LA Angels pitcher Aaron Loup

Aaron Loup was one of two relievers the Angels gave a lot of money to last offseason. He did not have the best year in Anaheim. A 3.84 ERA isn't bad, but Loup had a couple of really bad months and when he fell apart in May, that's when the Angels season really collapsed. He's a solid left-handed reliever, but has been hard to trust in Anaheim.

17. LA Angels pitcher Ryan Tepera

Ryan Tepera was the other reliever signed last offseason and he also didn't have the best first season in Anaheim. His strikeout numbers took a massive dip, as did his overall production. The Angels won't need him to be quite as valuable as he was expected to be last season, but a big year from Tepera would help this bullpen a lot.

16. LA Angels infielder Luis Rengifo

Luis Rengifo's bat finally came alive at the MLB level, as he hit 17 home runs last season. He had his struggles drawing walks and hitting as a left-handed batter, but overall, he was one of the better hitters in what ended up being a really bad lineup. He won't play quite every day in 2023 with all of the infield depth the Angels have, but he should play all the time against lefties and can provide value with his versatility. He can play second, third, short, and both corner outfield spots.

Ranking the Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 15 through No. 11?

15. LA Angels pitcher Jimmy Herget

Jimmy Herget thrived in a variety of roles for the Angels last season. He showed an ability to record more than three outs if needed, and even saved nine ballgames to end the season. He's unorthodox, but gets the job done. He's been the seventh inning man to start the year, that's a spot that I think makes sense for him.

14. LA Angels pitcher Matt Moore

Matt Moore was a late signee but is an important piece to this bullpen. He had a career year in 2022, posting a 1.95 ERA in 63 appearances and 74 innings pitched, thanks to a re-invented curveball. Moore is the best lefty in this bullpen and should get a ton of high-leverage opportunities.

13. LA Angels infielder Brandon Drury

Brandon Drury broke out in a big way last season, hitting 28 home runs and driving in 87 runs splitting time with the Reds and Padres. Drury mashed at a very hitter-friendly park and struggled after the trade, but the Angels should be able to milk production out of him. He brings versatility and power to the bottom of the lineup.

12. LA Angels pitcher Carlos Estevez

Carlos Estevez had a rough first spring as a member of the Angels but has thrown three scoreless innings to begin the season. He hasn't had a save opportunity yet, but Estevez does appear to have that role for now. I expect him to have a good year pitching away from Coors Field.

11. LA Angels infielder Jared Walsh

If Jared Walsh can get back to his all-star form, this offense will be elite. Having a guy in Walsh who torments right-handed pitching when healthy hitting fifth or sixth is such a luxury. It's even more of a luxury when you have a real platoon partner like Brandon Drury capable of filling in against lefties. Walsh getting healthy is the most important thing, and he's on the Injured List right now. Hopefully he'll be back soon and pick up where he left off in Spring Training.

Ranking the Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 10 through No. 6?

10. LA Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe

Logan O'Hoppe looks like the real deal. He's hit two home runs and driven in eight runs in his first six games of the season. He's looked unbelievable behind the plate as well. It might be too early to proclaim him a top-10 player on the team since he's played in 11 MLB games, but I get to be biased since this is my list. I've been blown away by this man and think he's a future star.

9. LA Angels infielder Gio Urshela

Gio Urshela didn't really have an established role when the Angels traded for him, but he won the starting shortstop during Spring Training by swinging a hot bat and looking much better than expected defensively. Urshela is a third baseman so defense at short won't be his strong-suit, but the bat is too good to leave on the bench. He'll be an important player to this team.

8. LA Angels pitcher Reid Detmers

Reid Detmers is a pitcher waiting to breakout. The stuff is there, and he's added a lot of velocity heading into the 2023 season. He finished the 2022 season very strongly, and even threw a no-hitter. He didn't look great in his first start, but I expect the southpaw to take another step forward for the Angels this season.

7. LA Angels outfielder Hunter Renfroe

Hunter Renfroe is just a consistent bopper. He can hit 30 homers seemingly in his sleep, and should have a big year for the Halos. He's hit at least 26 home runs in every full season he's played excluding the 2020 season. He's a huge upgrade from Jo Adell who he replaced on this roster.

6. LA Angels pitcher Tyler Anderson

Tyler Anderson was the first player the Angels signed this offseason, as he signed a three-year $39 million dollar deal. Anderson likely won't repeat the all-star season he had with the Dodgers, but at that price he doesn't have to. Be a solid mid-rotation arm and give the Angels length. He was really good in his first start, not as good in his second.

Ranking the Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 5 through No. 2?

5. LA Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval

Patrick Sandoval broke out in 2022 and had a sub-3.00 ERA in 27 starts. He's a potential all-star sleeper if he has a good start to his 2023 campaign, and he has, as he's allowed two runs in his first 11 innings pitched. When he's aggressive and attacking the zone I think Sandoval is really, really good. My hope for him is he gives a bit more length in his starts this season.

4. LA Angels infielder Anthony Rendon

Anthony Rendon is a tricky player to rank. We know how good he is when he's healthy. He just hasn't been healthy at all, which is why he isn't third on this list. He's played in just 160 games as an Angel, missing substantial time due to injuries and suspensions. He's back from his latest suspension, let's hope he stays on the field now. The Angels need his bat in the middle of their lineup.

3. LA Angels outfielder Taylor Ward

The breakout happened, and Taylor Ward is for real. He slashed .281/.360/.473 with 23 home runs and 65 RBI last season in 135 games. The numbers would've been better had he not played through injuries. He grew into a legitimate leadoff hitter and is a staple there in 2023. Ward has a .907 in his first 34 at-bats of 2023. If he can stay healthy, I'm very confident an all-star appearance will be in the cards for him this season.

2. LA Angels outfielder Mike Trout

It's definitely weird to have Mike Trout at number two, especially with him being a top-two or three player in all of baseball, but that's where we're at. Trout is still flat-out ridiculous offensively. He hit 40 home runs in 119 games last season. He didn't even have enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title and he hit 40 homers, just absurd. He's hit another three in his first eight games in 2023. Just stay healthy.

Ranking the Angels 40-man roster: Who is No. 1?

1. LA Angels pitcher/DH Shohei Ohtani

Not only is Shohei Ohtani number one on this list, it should be a universal opinion that Ohtani is the best player in all of baseball. Nobody has done what he's done, and it's very likely we will never see another player like him again.

Ohtani is one of the best hitters in the game. He hit 46 home runs in his MVP season and hit another 34 last season. He can get on base at a high clip, he can steal bases, he can hit doubles and triples. There is nothing he can't do offensively.

Ohtani's bat was ahead of his arm at the MLB level for a good amount of Ohtani's Angels career. Even when he won the MVP award, I think he was better at the plate than he was on the mound.

That narrative flipped when he posted a 2.33 ERA in 28 starts and 166 innings pitched last season. He finished fourth in the AL Cy Young balloting (should've been higher) and led the league with 11.9 K/9. He's allowed one run in his first 12 innings of 2023 with 18 strikeouts. I'd say Ohtani the pitcher has surpassed Ohtani the hitter, which is hard to fathom.

He's a superstar on both sides of the ball. He'd be considered one of the best players on the planet if he only did one. He does both. It's still hard to fathom. There's a lot of talk about his upcoming free agency, but let's just enjoy him for now.