Opening Day is just over two weeks away for the Angels, but there are still several questions about how the roster will look on March 26 in Houston.
On the position player side, the starting second-base job is up for grabs as well as the final three bench spots. And as far as pitching, Alek Manoah still needs to earn the fifth starter’s role, and there are a few openings in the bullpen with the closer role also still undecided.
Here’s a look at how the roster could shape up before Opening Day against the Astros on March 26 in Houston:
Catcher (2): Logan O’Hoppe, Travis d’Arnaud
O’Hoppe is off to a great start this spring, leading the team with three homers, and seems to be in a good place mentally and mechanically. It’s also the second year as the backup for d’Arnaud, who signed a two-year, $12 million deal before 2025.
First baseman (1): Nolan Schanuel
Schanuel, 23, is heading into his third full season as the club’s starting first baseman, and he could be in for a breakout, especially if he can tap into some power. He’s off to a slow start at the plate this spring but has time to get things going.
Second baseman (1): Adam Frazier
Frazier was signed to a Minor League deal and fits the club as a left-handed hitter who makes contact at an above-average rate. He’s also been playing a lot of left field, which would allow the Angels to carry just four outfielders. But Christian Moore, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 Draft, could still win the job with a strong finish. Moore has been seeing time at third base to increase his versatility.
Shortstop (1): Zach Neto
Neto has emerged as the club’s best player over the last two seasons and could be an All-Star for the first time in 2026. He's also had a great spring at the plate.
Third baseman (1): Yoán Moncada
Moncada was brought back on a one-year deal worth $4 million with Anthony Rendon out for a second straight year, but the Angels also signed veteran Jeimer Candelario to a Minor League deal to add depth because of Moncada’s injury concerns in recent years.
Outfielders (5): Mike Trout, Jo Adell, Josh Lowe, Jorge Soler
Trout has indicated he wants to play center field this season, and while the Angels haven’t officially said that’s the plan, it would make a lot of sense with their current roster to allow Lowe to play left and Adell to play right. Soler trimmed down in the offseason to play more outfield and has been excellent at the plate and running well. Bryce Teodosio still has a real chance to make the team because of his elite defense, while Jose Siri hasn’t played well enough to claim a role.
Bench/utility (2): Oswald Peraza, Vaughn Grissom, Jeimer Candelario
Peraza and Grissom are both out of options, which helps their cases to make the team. Peraza has had a nice spring, but Grissom needs to pick it up offensively. Candelario, a non-roster invitee, is the biggest surprise this camp, as the switch-hitter has been great from both sides of the plate and can play third base and first base. Nick Madrigal, Chris Taylor and Kyren Paris are also in the mix.
Starting pitchers (5): Yusei Kikuchi, José Soriano, Reid Detmers, Grayson Rodriguez, Alek Manoah
Kikuchi, Soriano and Detmers are all locks, while Rodriguez’s stuff appears impressive enough for him to make the club. Manoah, however, had a rough start against the A’s that saw him walk five batters, and he will need to improve his control. Jack Kochanowicz has pitched well and has started to close the gap, while Sam Aldegheri dominated in the Classic for Team Italy. Mitch Farris added 3 miles per hour of velocity, and George Klassen has wowed with his plus stuff.
Relief pitchers (8): Robert Stephenson, Drew Pomeranz, Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano, Brent Suter, Ryan Zeferjahn, Chase Silseth, Sam Bachman
Pomeranz, Yates, Romano and Suter are locks, while Stephenson seems very likely to be ready for the season despite elbow and nerve issues over the offseason. Silseth is out of options while Bachman has pitched well. Zeferjahn’s spot is tenuous and others are competing for bullpen roles, like non-roster invitees Hunter Strickland and Nick Sandlin. Sandlin, though, is coming off arthroscopic elbow surgery and might not be ready for Opening Day, much like flamethrower Ben Joyce, who is coming off shoulder surgery in May.