After some trades and free-agent pickups, the Angels seem to finally have what they have been missing to make a playoff run. That one thing is major league depth. Angels finally have the depth to back up Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. The problem last year was the Angels’ ability to have major-league talent if a player goes down with an injury. Let’s dive into each new face we will see in 2023.
Tyler Anderson
The Angels started off the offseason by signing Tyler Anderson to a three-year/ 39 million-dollar deal. Anderson had 15 wins and a 2.57 E.R.A. last season with the Dodgers. Anderson will be coming into a heavy left-handed rotation. The Angels rotation will have Shohei Ohtani and young stars like Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, and Jose Suarez to back up Anderson in 2023. This rotation might be underrated, but the Angels still need to get one more right-handed pitcher.
Gio Urshela
The Angels then decided to go the trade route and acquire Gio Urshela. Gio can play anywhere on the diamond and is a fantastic bench piece to give someone like Anthony Rendon a rest day. Gio had 13 home runs and a .285 batting average last season with the Twins.
Hunter Renfroe
The Angels decided to trade for power hitter Hunter Renfroe. Renfroe will join an outfield of Mike Trout and Taylor Ward. This might be one of the best outfields with 2022 breakout star Taylor Ward and future hall of Famer Mike Trout with a power hitter like Hunter Renfroe. Renfroe helps deepen the lineup and helps score runs which was a problem for the Angels last season. Renfroe hit 29 home runs and had a batting average of .255 in 2023.
Carlos Estevez
The Angels went in the winter meetings needing to add some bullpen pieces. They signed Carlos Estevez to a two-year deal. Estevez seems to be a victim of the hitter-friendly Coors Field but helps improve depth in the bullpen. Estevez posted a 3.47 E.R.A. and had four wins but might see an increase in production with the Angels.
Brandon Drury
The Angels signed Brandon Drury to a two-year deal to help improve the middle of the diamond. Drury hit for .263 and had 28 home runs. Drury helps the Angels both on the offensive and defensive side. Looking to improve the offense, this might be one of the most underrated moves for the Angels.
Brett Philips
The Angels signed Brett Philips to a one-year contract to complete the four outfield spots. Brett had a down year last year but seems to have a different swing with his new team. The Angels were the only ones who gave Brett a major league contract, and he’s a player who will make the clubhouse more fun and hopefully more improved this season.
These six moves by the Angels front office can improve a bad offense last season and also improve a good rotation. The Angels still need to make a few more moves, but this is the right start to a new direction.
