The Los Angeles Angels entered the 2023 season with Jared Walsh as the presumed number one choice at first base. But after some health issues that arose before the year, he missed much of the season and his most recent move was an option to Triple-A.
Brandon Drury has seen the most action at the position with 23 starts, but his top skill set is shifting around the diamond. The issue with this is the corner it puts the team without a clear everyday starter.
With productive bats coming from non-first base options, the Angels’ latest move is trying Hunter Renfroe at first, a spot he’s only logged 10 innings at prior to June 24, per Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“I’m here to help the team get to the promised land,” Renfroe said. “I’m not here for self-righteous stuff. I’m here for winning. That’s it. If it helps the team win, I’m all for it.”
Renfroe provides a powerful force from the right side while freeing him up from right field. The move also opens the door for manager Phil Nevin to put Mickey Moniak in an outfield spot, riding his career year at the plate.
Nevin would still prefer to see Walsh get back to form, but for now Renfore should see a good amount of time at first base:
“I think our best club is Walshy swinging the bat good and playing first base,” Nevin said. “He’s by far the best defender. I don’t think that’s a secret.”
The ideal scenario is Walsh figures it out by playing with the Salt Lake Bees, returning to Major League Baseball, and regaining a foothold on the job.
Walsh logged a 34 wRC+ with one home run in 78 plate appearances, a far cry from the potential he showed from 2020-2021.
What has Hunter Renfroe provided the Angels with this season?
Renfroe broke out in the early part of the regular season, slugging seven home runs with 20 RBI in his first 108 at-bats through April. But in his last 182 plate appearances, he’s only hit six homers, his most recent coming on Wednesday night against the Chicago White Sox.
His biggest issue is his lack of walks, but his .193 ISO isn’t helping his cause either. Renfroe must improve his .301 on-base percentage, accounting for much of his 103 wRC+.
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