With the playoffs getting underway, the Los Angeles Angels are in a familiar spot, missing the postseason with both Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. But after a flurry of changes, the Angels have a different sense of optimism heading into next year.
Since June 30, the Angels are 36-48 and finished the regular season at 79-89, their seventh consecutive losing season. With Trout, the Angels have only made the playoffs one time, a clear failure given his consistent elite production.
The Angels must find a way to figure out how to build a roster around Ohtani and Trout heading into 2023 as the frustration continues to bury the duo’s immense ceiling, via Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“I hate losing,” Trout said. “I answered these questions the last few years. It’s tough for me. For me in this game, from a personal standpoint, you’re going to fail a lot. At the plate, you’re going to make mistakes. The biggest thing is trying to turn the page, and that’s what I’m trying to do after this season.
“Obviously it’s been frustrating. It’s not where we want to be. Talking with guys to try to change this thing, we’re doing everything we can.”
General manager Perry Minasian is in a volatile spot with his team as the franchise is seemingly up for sale, and after he jettisoned some key pieces to shift towards the future, the question of when they’ll compete is perpetually on the table.
Trout has demonstrated support for Minasian and his ability to build a roster, but outside of an early season collapse, the Angels seemed to be on their way.
“I trust Perry and the front office to bring a winning team in here,” Trout said. “He harps on it every day, ever since we’ve been knocked out. Bringing a great group of guys in here to compete.”
Looking ahead to next season, a core of Ohtani, Trout, a healthy Taylor Ward, Anthony Rendon, and an up-and-coming starting staff, Minasian has a better outlook than originally thought when doomsday occurred in late May.
Mike Trout ‘looking good’ heading into offseason
The initial shock of Trout’s injury was another blow to the club that had already sustained what seemed to be a 12-round knockout. But after a clear path for him to return to the diamond, his production shed light on exactly how special he is.
It’s been unfortunate for Trout to sustain injuries in back-to-back seasons for the Angels, mainly because with Ohtani still with the team, they have a chance to play a special brand of baseball. However, with a handful of games left in the regular season, Trout and the team can shift gears into the offseason and reflect on his special bounceback run.
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