Fanmail Friday #3 - What's in Store for the Future this Team and its Prospects?
Feb 7, 2025 - Written by Kian Behravan
Photo Credit : @MLB - X
It's that time of the week again. Every Friday, a member of the Inside Halos team answers a set of questions submitted by our followers via Instagram or the Q&A Google Form and I got the chance to answer this week's batch.
1: @el_ivanazo: What's happening with Rengifo?
At around 10 am PST today, Luis Rengifo won his arbitration hearing against the Angels. He will be paid $5.95 million rather than the $5.8 number the team submitted. This marks his last trip through arbitration before he hits free agency next winter. For the past three years, he's been a presence in the Halo's infield, slashing .273/ .323 / .431 with a 109 OPS+. His speed has improved as well, as he swiped 24 bags in 31 attempts in 2024, despite playing under 80 games. If the Angels are serious about building a young team for a playoff push in the coming years, it'd be wise to bring him back if he does well in 2025.
2: @andrewinz_: Do you think the Angels will make any impactful moves until the season starts?
Last night, the Angels signed 3B Yoan Moncada to a one-year deal. This provides much-needed assistance for Anthony Rendon, who is coming back from injury. A move the fans would like to see is a bullpen free-agent addition. However, a move that would make sense, but is unlikely, is a Taylor Ward trade. A deal like this isn't completely off the table. The Angels could deal him for a reliever and a couple of prospects. After that, they could sign an infielder (not Alex Bregman) from the free-agent market.
3: @christopher_sardi: Do you think Christian Moore will start on Opening Day?
It's something fans want to see, but it wouldn't be smart to do so. If you look solely at the slash line, he's a great hitter. First, the sample size is only 25 games. Second, he played in AA. Lastly, he struck out 29 times, more than once per game. Even if Christian Moore does well in Spring Training, he still has some things to figure out. He's only 22, so there's no need to rush him through the farm system to have him ready by Opening Day. If he performs in AA or AAA as the season goes on, there's a chance he could make his debut around July.
4: @jvjackson: Do you think Ward could play third to bring more flexibility to the team?
With the recent signing of Moncada, it seems less likely. If someone gets injured however, Ward could transition to third. It will probably be a last resort, considering the additions of Tim Anderson, Kevin Newman, and J.D. Davis. Ward has a little experience at third, and it wouldn't hurt to have him play there a few games if something does happen. Playing the infield again could also boost his value if the Angels want to trade him near this year's deadline.
5: @ggonzales_82: At the deadline if we are .500 should we buy or sell?
Sell. The AL West is very competitive, and .500 could put the team in 4th place. Even if they're higher than that, they have to focus on building up the farm system even more. The Angels were set back a little after trading away notable prospects such as Ky Bush to get Ohtani into the playoffs but were unsuccessful. As of now, the team should focus on the years to come which leads to the next question.
6. With the roster we have now, do you think we have a solid chance at making the playoffs?
The optimistic side of me wants to say yes, but the analytic side of me wants to say no. As with any team, the chance to make the playoffs is never zero, but it is low. It will remain low until Anthony Rendon's contract is over and the Angels have another $40 million in the bank. Right now, the organization should focus on preparing young talent for 2027 at the earliest. The next year the Angels could have a solid chance of making the playoffs would be then, and that is, of course, if Owner Arte Moreno wants to spend money to make the team better.
7: @hawkie27: Is Moncada the last MLB move we make?
I certainly hope not. One more addition I hope we get is a bullpen arm, and I'm sure most would agree. If it is the last MLB move the Angels make, we could turn Dakota Hudson into bullpen arm. In a piece covering what the Angels did during the Winter Meetings, I talked about Hudson's success as a reliever at the Major League Level. He was signed in December to a Minor League deal. He could start the season in the AAA Salt Lake Bees rotation, and if he does well, he could earn a bullpen spot for the Major League club. Dakota Hudson was one of the more overlooked moves the team has made, and could pan out for him and the team in 2025.
8: @angelsunrated: Why don't we just sign Bauer?
I'm aware this is a sensitive topic, but it's better to address it than not. Statistically, Trevor Bauer has had a great couple of seasons in foreign leagues. However, the theory going around for years is that Bauer is blacklisted from signing with MLB teams. This has become more and more believable as seasons go by without him joining a Major League Club. On another note, it has been said that Bauer was a clubhouse cancer long before the accusations came about. If that's true, having a guy like him around these young players could bring team morale down, and lose games. Overall, the likely answer as to why the Angels, or anyone, will sign Bauer is the possibility he is blacklisted.
9: @lukesocic: How many HRs does Soler hit? And in how many games?
According to BaseballReference's projections, Jorge Soler is supposed to have around 545 plate appearances, which translates to around 125 games. In those games, he's projected to hit 24 home runs. I do see him hitting that many homers, but in fewer games. I don't think he'll be an everyday player, he might only play 100 games at most. But if he has a great Spring Training, he could become a regular early. Soler's a power hitter, and power is what the Angels needed. I don't see a standout season from him, but he’ll provide much-needed assistance from the DH spot.
10: @la_chacha87: Is there any update on the city and new stadium?
On Wednesday, the Angels extended their lease at Angel Stadium through 2032. That adds on seven more years at the ballpark. Currently, the lease goes through 2029 and includes three three-year extensions that will keep the team in the stadium until 2038 if the other two options are exercised. Angel Stadium has been the home of the Angels since 1966 and is a great place to head to ball games. It might be the one thing I miss from California since Minute Maid (sorry, Daikin) Park is not cutting it. Currently, this does not staple the long-term future of the Halos. The City of Anaheim released a statement, saying, "The extension is not the result of any long-term discussions between the team and the city, and there are no long-term lease or other talks underway.”
BONUS: Multiple Fans: What do you think about the Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis Trade?
I think the Mookie Betts trade was still worse. I've read into it and it seems like Dončić was becoming a liability for the Mavericks and becoming out of shape very fast, as he went up to 270 pounds. On the surface, it seems pointless, but if Luka figures it out, he could still be the generational talent he's been hyped up to be.
Thank you all so much for those who participated this week! If you want your questions about the Angels answered, be sure to use the Google Form, do the Q&A's with @insidehalos on Instagram, or contact @InsideHalos on X for a chance to be featured on next week's Fanmail Friday. l Also, be sure to join our Discord server to stay up to date on Angels news and talk with the rest of our writing team!
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