Our neighbors to the north won the 2024 World Series after winning the 2023-2024 off season. It is almost like outspending the rest of MLB on free agents helps or something.
But honestly, the Dodgers organization is leaps and bounds better than the Angels on all fronts. On the field, they have superior players at 8 or 9 positions depending on if Trout is the real Trout in centerfield. Their front office is incredible. Their drafting and development is top notch. And, of course, that bottomless bank account is nice to have.
Freddie Freeman is a good guy. He’s a devoted family guy who gives back plenty to the community. And he’s the World Series MVP. Freeman had a touching tribute to his dad after his game 1 walk off grand slam.
Like most of us, I never played baseball at a very high level. But I have a ton of fond memories of playing catch with my dad. Sometimes in the cul-de-sac in front of our house, a lot of times before his softball games. And now as a dad I’ve played some catch with my son and I cherish those times. There’s no sport that builds the father/son bond like baseball.
So now, what is next?
Rhett Bollinger found 7 questions to answer about this off season. That’s a decent primer and we will delve deeper into turning this franchise around this off season.
One of the first orders of business will be deciding which arbitration eligible players to keep around and which to let go. I broke down the Giffin Canning decision.
But then Perry went and traded Griff to the Braves for Jorge Soler. This is a big bat added to the Angels lineup but it crowds the outfield mix. Last season Soler posted an OPS+ of 121 and is 13% above league average for his career. As for the glove, well he has one.
I think the Angels move to a DH carousel and rotate Trout and Soler through the position. But we still could see an outfielder moved. Currently Jo Adell mans right field and is a Gold Glove finalist, something we’ll never say about Soler.
Out in the Arizona Fall League, David Mershon’s sprint speed is catching some attention. The kid can definitely fly.
For those of you not familiar with Mershon, don’t feel bad. He was the Angels 18th round pick in the 2024 MLB draft out of Mississippi State and did pretty well at AA this year. His wheels and defensive prowess are on full display here.
If the kid can hit at all, he’ll stick as at least a utility infielder. He slashed .264/.326/.298 in 114 ABs at the AA level this season and put up a really impressive .347/.454/.500 in his last year at State. His 5 foot 7 frame is likely a big reason he lasted so long in the draft.
All in all, the Angels prospects are doing well in the AFL. Niko Kavadas was one of the week’s top performers, blasting 2 home runs. The kid has a lot of swing and miss in his game, but when he swings and hits the ball goes a long way.
Hopefully there’s some talent in the group of youngsters including Kavadas, George Klassen, and others. But the team definitely needs to add external talent. Here’s a list of the current MLB free agents.
More names will be added to the list over the coming weeks as players are non-tendered.
Signing guys is fun, but trades are more fun. MLBTR took a look at 35 players likely to be moved. I’d love to pick up Brett Baty from the Mets. He’d be a decent third base option and make Rengifo a trade chip again.
We’ll be rolling out our annual off season pieces soon, so start thinking about how to spend some of Arte’s money. Probably $30 million or so. Probably less now that Soler is in the fold.
Enjoy your weekend and link what I missed. We actually have no plans for a weekend, which is pretty incredible. Not sure if I’m going to smoke ribs or a prime rib but something will keep me on my patio and playing in the back yard with my son for several hours tomorrow.
