ANAHEIM -- Spring Training is right around the corner, with Angels pitchers and catchers set for their first workouts on Feb. 11 in Tempe, Ariz.
The Angels head into spring with a new manager in Kurt Suzuki and a coaching staff that now notably includes bench coach John Gibbons, pitching coach Mike Maddux and hitting coach Brady Anderson.
The club’s offseason was marked by taking risks on players with upside and previous success. The Angels acquired right-handed starters Grayson Rodriguez and Alek Manoah and veteran relievers Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz. They also traded for outfielder Josh Lowe and utility player Vaughn Grissom while bringing back Yoán Moncada on a one-year deal to play third base.
The Angels could add more pieces this spring, much like last year, when they signed closer Kenley Jansen and Moncada after camp opened. And they certainly could use the help coming off a 72-win season.
So there are still plenty of questions about the Angels headed into Spring Training. Here’s a look at five of the most pressing ones:
1. How will the rotation shake out?
The Angels have three locks in the rotation -- returning starters Yusei Kikuchi and José Soriano, along with Reid Detmers, who will transition back to starting after pitching in relief last year. Rodriguez missed all of last year due to injury and is coming off having bone spurs removed from his elbow but will have the chance to prove he’s healthy and ready to claim a rotation spot.
Manoah made 10 rehab appearances in the Minors last year after coming off hybrid Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. He also will get the opportunity to show he can regain his previous All-Star form and is a candidate for the bullpen if he doesn’t make the rotation.
Other candidates include Caden Dana, Sam Aldegheri, Victor Mederos, Mitch Farris and George Klassen. The Angels will need plenty of depth, with Manoah and Rodriguez coming off injuries and Detmers having thrown 63 2/3 innings in relief last year.
2. How will the outfield look?
The Angels brought in Lowe from the Rays via a three-team trade. While he mostly has played corner outfield in the Majors, he could see some time in center. Bryce Teodosio is the club’s only true center fielder on the roster but hasn’t hit in the big leagues. So the Angels could use a mix of Jo Adell, Teodosio, Lowe and even Mike Trout in center. Trout, though, will continue to mostly see time in right field while sharing designated hitter duties with Jorge Soler. How Trout fares this season and how his twice-surgically repaired knee holds up will be a big storyline for the club.
3. Is there going to be a set closer?
The Angels lost Jansen to free agency and didn’t sign an obvious closer. Yates and Romano have extensive closing history but are coming off rough seasons. The holdover options include Robert Stephenson and Ben Joyce, although both have had injury concerns in recent seasons.
Stephenson pitched 10 innings last year and is coming off elbow inflammation but will be ready for spring, while Joyce underwent right shoulder surgery and is expected to miss part of the season.
4. Is Moore ready to start at second base?
The Angels filled a hole by bringing back Moncada to play third base, but there will be competition at second base this spring. Christian Moore is the early favorite there. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Moore got his first taste of the Majors last year, posting a slash line of .198/.284/.370 with seven home runs in 53 games. The 23-year-old will compete with the likes of Oswald Peraza, Grissom and non-roster invitee Nick Madrigal. Both Grissom and Peraza are out of Minor League options but could be bench pieces if Moore starts at second.
5. Can Suzuki help O’Hoppe reach the next level?
The Angels have seen Zach Neto develop into a star shortstop and would love to see a similar trajectory for catcher Logan O'Hoppe, who is coming off a tough season both offensively and defensively. O’Hoppe, who will turn 26 next week, still has plenty of potential, and the club is hoping Suzuki and new catching coach Max Stassi can help unlock it.
Suzuki, Stassi and O’Hoppe were teammates on the Angels during O’Hoppe’s first year in 2022. So there is already a strong relationship there. If O’Hoppe has a breakout year, it would be huge for the future of the organization.