Angels pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training on Feb. 11. As we count down the days until camp begins, we are going through the various position groups to give a breakdown of where the roster stands. Today, the infielders. Previously, the catchers and outfielders.
2024 RECAP
Shortstop Zach Neto emerged as the best player of the Angels’ young core, hitting 23 home runs and stealing 30 bases in his first full season in the majors. First baseman Nolan Schanuel hit 13 homers with a .706 OPS in his first full season, which wasn’t much for an everyday first baseman, but more than acceptable for a player who was in college in 2023. After that, though, the Angels had problems. Luis Rengifo was having strong year, with a .763 OPS, but he missed most of the final three months with a wrist injury that required surgery. Third baseman Anthony Rendon was once again hurt for most of the season, playing just 57 games and producing a .574 OPS. Brandon Drury, who was penciled in to be their starting second baseman, had an awful season, posting a .469 OPS. The Angels ranked dead last in the majors in WAR at second base and 23rd at third, according to Baseball-Reference.
HOW IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW
The Angels did little to fill their holes at second and third. Considering that Neto, Rengifo and Rendon are all coming off injuries, the problems could be even more severe in 2025. The best-case scenario is Neto doesn’t miss any time following surgery, and he and Schanuel both take steps forward with their experience. The team would also like to see Rengifo do what he did last year, but over a full season. It might be too much to ask, but it would help if Rendon could simply stay on the field. The Angels are not counting on him, though, because he didn’t perform well even when he was healthy. If Rendon can’t play, Rengifo is the best option at third. That leaves second base open. The Angels signed Kevin Newman and brought in veteran Tim Anderson on a minor-league deal. Newman is a better backup than the Angels have had in recent years, but they’d still prefer not to need him to play everyday.
THE NEXT LAYER
There are plenty of bodies on the depth chart who could fill roles if the top players are hurt. The Angels acquired Scott Kingery, who can play second, third and short, and Ryan Noda, who plays first. They also signed J.D. Davis, a first and third baseman, to a minor-league deal. Kyren Paris is the most experienced of their homegrown prospects who could see some time. First baseman Niko Kavadas showed encouraging signs in the Arizona Fall League. Of course, the big name is Christian Moore, who was the Angels’ first-round draft pick last July. Moore, who is a second baseman, might have been in the majors last September if he didn’t get hurt. The Angels think enough of him that they won’t hesitate to give him a shot at the big leagues as soon as they think he’s ready. The Angels would love to have an everyday infield of Schanuel, Moore, Neto and Rengifo.
MOVE THEY COULD MAKE
The Angels have been connected to free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, although that move would raise some questions. The Angels’ infield needs are primarily at second and third, and they have Schanuel to play first. Alonso also would cost the Angels a draft pick next year. However, if they just want to upgrade the offense, despite an imperfect positional fit, Alonso would do it. If the Angels signed him, they could try Schanuel in the outfield or send him to the minors.