Trout back to full form? Biggest takeaways from Angels camp

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Opening Day is just around the corner for the Angels, who start the regular season in Houston on March 26.

It’s been an interesting camp with several roster battles still ongoing, including in the rotation, the back end of the bullpen, at second base and bench roles. With that in mind, here are five takeaways from Angels camp:

1. Mike Trout is running the best he has since his knee injury in ‘24

When Trout reached 29.9 feet per second running to first base on Feb. 28, the only thing on his mind was reaching the 30 feet per second threshold that is considered elite by Statcast. Trout did just that on Saturday while running to first base, marking his first time reaching that mark since 2024. That was the same year he tore his meniscus twice in his left knee and underwent two operations.

So it’s a good sign that Trout is running better than any point last year, even before he suffered a bone bruise in his left knee in late April. It’s also notable with Trout wanting to move back to center field this year, which would allow Jo Adell and Josh Lowe to remain corner outfielders.

2. Jeimer Candelario has been the unexpected spring star

After an injury-plagued 2025 campaign that saw him struggle both at Triple-A and in a brief stint in the Majors with the Reds, Candelario was mostly an afterthought after he signed a Minor League deal with the Angels. But he’s been impressive at the plate as a switch-hitter, batting .267/.353/.567 in 12 Cactus League games. He’s played his way into potentially making the club, although he doesn’t have an opt-out so he could start the year at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Candelario, however, does fit the roster as a player who can play both first and third base while providing some thump off the bench as a pinch-hitter. The 10-year veteran led the AL in doubles in ’21 with the Tigers, and he batted .251/.336/.471 in 140 games in '23 with the Nationals and Cubs.

3. The second-base job is up for grabs

Christian Moore, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, has shown some good signs, including lining out to third on a ball that left his bat with an exit velocity of 114 mph on Monday. But he still needs work defensively at second, and has also been getting time at third to increase his versatility, especially with Yoán Moncada’s injury issues in recent years.

Veteran Adam Frazier, who signed a Minor League deal, appears to be a lock to make the roster because he plays solid defense, hits left-handed and has a high contact rate. But Frazier could make the team as either the starting second baseman or a bench player.

Frazier has also been playing a lot of left field, which could indicate the Angels will only carry four outfielders in Trout, Adell, Lowe and Jorge Soler. It would allow Bryce Teodosio to get more at-bats at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Oswaldo Peraza and Vaughn Grissom are both out of options, which could be deciding factors in making the club. Peraza has had a great spring but Grissom has a higher ceiling. They both can make the team along with Frazier and Candelario if Moore and Teodosio don’t make it.

4. Logan O'Hoppe is putting it all together

It’s a huge year for O’Hoppe, who scuffled both at and behind the plate last season. But with Suzuki and catching coach Max Stassi in his corner, he looks more relaxed and in a better headspace this spring.

He’s been excellent offensively, entering Thursday slashing .276/.364/.655 with a team-leading three homers and nine RBIs in 12 Cactus League games. Scouts have noted a difference and he has seen a big uptick in his average exit velocity as well.

5. Alek Manoah needs to get things going

Manoah, who signed a one-year deal worth $1.95 million, was expected to be the club’s fifth starter but has struggled in back-to-back outings. In his latest start, Manoah allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks over four innings against the White Sox on Wednesday. Manoah still is the slight favorite for the role, but does have a Minor League option if he doesn’t turn it around. He's posted a 7.15 ERA with eight strikeouts and 10 walks over 11 1/3 innings in Cactus League play.

Right-hander Jack Kochanowicz has quietly had a strong spring with a 2.08 ERA with five strikeouts and one walk in 8 2/3 innings to put himself into the mix. George Klassen (No. 5 prospect) has also turned heads this spring and looks close to being ready for the Majors, while Sam Aldegheri (No. 17 prospect) excelled in his start for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.