The Los Angeles Angels closed the 2024 season with a 63-99 record, marking a challenging year for the franchise. Placing fifth in the American League West, the team grappled with injuries, inconsistent performances, and gaps in offense and pitching. Despite these struggles, standout performances from young talents provide a glimmer of hope for the future.
Season Overview: Performance and Stats
The Angels’ record reflected a season of struggle, underpinned by one of MLB’s weakest performances in several key areas. The team’s ERA stood at 4.56, ranking 26th in the league, while their OPS of .671 placed them 28th, indicating a lack of offensive firepower. For fans and sports bettors tracking the team’s odds on platforms like FanDuel, these metrics underscored a challenging year, often making them an underdog in most matchups. These metrics underscore the need for improvement on both sides of the ball.
Player Highlights: Bright Spots Amid Challenges
Despite a disappointing team performance, several players showcased potential:
- Zach Neto: In his first entire MLB season, Neto was a rare bright spot, contributing 23 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and a .761 OPS. His stellar defense further cements him as a future cornerstone for the team.
- Logan O’Hoppe: The rookie catcher hit 20 home runs, offering a glimpse of his potential as a reliable contributor offensively and defensively.
- Jo Adell: Adell displayed his versatility with 20 home runs and 15 stolen bases. His elite bat speed and ability to barrel the ball suggest he could be a pivotal player moving forward despite struggles against right-handed pitching.
Emerging talents like Nolan Schanuel and Luis Rengifo also showed flashes of promise, hinting at their potential to become regular contributors in the coming years.
Key Challenges: Injuries and Inconsistencies
Injuries played a significant role in the Angels’ struggles. Star outfielder Mike Trout was limited to just 29 games due to a torn meniscus, while Anthony Rendon’s performance declined. The pitching staff also faltered, with Reid Detmers finishing the season with a 6.70 ERA after time in the minors. Patrick Sandoval and Griffin Canning both struggled, each posting ERAs over 5.00. Sandoval’s season ended prematurely due to UCL surgery.
The offense was also inconsistent, with players like Taylor Ward and Mickey Moniak failing to deliver consistently. Moniak, for instance, posted a .219 batting average with 114 strikeouts in 418 plate appearances.
Future Outlook: Rebuilding for Success
Looking ahead, the Angels face critical decisions to address their weaknesses. Offensively, the team must bolster positions beyond catcher, shortstop, and first base. On the pitching side, reinforcing the starting rotation and defining a closer—potentially Ben Joyce—are paramount. Joyce, with his near-100 mph fastball. However, it’s important to note that while he has potential, his performance in 2024 included a 4.26 ERA over 18 appearances, which suggests he may still be developing as a reliable option.
The departures of players like Brandon Drury and Kevin Pillar create opportunities for new talent, signaling the potential for a rebuilding phase. Such efforts will be essential for the team to return to contention.
