The Los Angeles Angels may have a difficult decision when it comes to the immediate future of their catching position at the Major League level, but for now, Logan O’Hoppe is taking in every bit of his initial taste of Major League Baseball.
Prior to the season, the initial depth chart with the catcher position was led by Max Stassi, with Matt Thaiss backing him up. The hype surrounding O’Hoppe and what he could bring in terms of upside and potential was most likely going to start the year in Triple-A with the Salt Lake Bees.
However, an injury to Stassi opened the door for O’Hoppe to make his first Opening Day roster as a member of the Angels, an honor that meant a lot to his entire family, via Doug Padilla of the O.C. Register:
“Yeah, so O’Hoppes are criers and there were definitely some tears going on,” O’Hoppe said Tuesday. “But yeah, it’s been a little bit of a whirlwind. It’s a lot to process, but just so grateful for it all.”
O’Hoppe flashed some immense leadership qualities in Spring Training, and the front office took note of those steps forward because his addition to the roster was something he earned. Manager Phil Nevin has close ties to the young backstop and got to know him during camp, and was given the honor of letting him know he’d be with the team:
“(Nevin) came in the locker room and said, ‘Come with me and bring your phone,’” Logan O’Hoppe said. “And then he asked how my dad was doing. Him and pops have developed a good relationship the past few months. So I said he was good and he had me call him up. And that’s when I had a good idea. And it was a special moment for everybody.”
His ultimate goal is to earn his spot within MLB and take on a big role with the Angels, but O’Hoppe is taking it all in during his first week with the team:
“Yeah, it’s super humbling, super humbling,” O’Hoppe said. “I’d be lying If I didn’t say I looked at it and thought, ‘What the hell am I doing there?’ But no, I mean, I’m settling in now and I feel more comfortable and really happy to get going.”
During his first week in MLB, O’Hoppe has stepped up in several big moments, including a key three-run homer on Sunday against the Oakland Athletics.
Angels manager Phil Nevin wants to see team culture grow
Stability is one area the Angels have struggled with in the past decade, whether it’s results, keeping a core of players healthy, or even in managerial roles, but the look and feel of the 2023 club are shaping to be more positive than in years past.
The Angels are in an important season and they have high hopes for 2023. Nevin made some additions to his staff, and the results are already showing with both the pitchers and hitters.
Spring Training wins and losses don’t mean anything, but the club still finished with the best record in the Cactus League. Now, Nevin is looking to see his team carry that momentum into the season and continue to grow.
Make sure to follow Angels Nation on Twitter for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Halos!
