The Kyren Paris Conundrum: Why Ron Washington’s Patience is the Right Play
Apr 4, 2025 - Written by Murphi Kennedy
Photo Credit : @Angels - X
Kyren Paris is Hot
No one’s denying that. Through six games, he’s 4-for-9 with a homer, a triple, three stolen bases, and two clutch, late-game hits that shifted momentum in the Angels’ favor. He’s energetic, explosive, and maybe most importantly, he’s giving fans something to cheer about.
But let’s take a breath.
The Angels are 4-2. The vibes are solid. The defense has been sharp. The bullpen’s been airtight for the most part. And the team is executing the blueprint laid out by Ron Washington and GM Perry Minasian—one that emphasizes structure, roles, and long-term planning.
So why the outrage? Why are fans ready to throw veterans like Tim Anderson, Kevin Newman, or Nicky Lopez off the roster just six games into the year to make way for a rookie still learning the ropes in center field?
Because, let’s be honest: Angel fans are desperate for hope—and rightfully so. A decade of organizational chaos, injury-riddled rosters, and squandered star talent has left this fanbase emotionally exhausted. When a young guy like Paris shows flashes, fans want more. They want a reason to believe.
But baseball isn’t a TikTok reel. It’s not about who’s hot today or what feels good in the moment. It’s a 162-game chess match, not a 6-game sprint.
The Plan for Kyren Paris Was Clear from the Start
Before Opening Day, the coaching staff sat Kyren Paris down and outlined a very specific role: fourth outfielder, pinch hitter, and part-time spark plug. A guy who’d start twice a week, come off the bench against when the matchup calls for it, and learn center field on the fly.
So far? He’s crushing it.
He’s excelling in the role he was given. Not because he’s an everyday player yet, but because he’s been set up to succeed. This is what player development looks like when done right. You don't rush growth—you guide it.
Washington is doing exactly that.
Why Fans Are Missing the Bigger Picture
The clamor for Paris to start every day is understandable, but it misses key context:
Jo Adell was promised center field to start the year.
That’s why the team let Mickey Moniak go. Adell was told it was his job—his chance to prove he can finally be a cornerstone player. You can’t pull the plug on that after six games.
Paris is still learning center field.
He’s fast, sure. But defense in center isn’t just about speed—it’s about reads, instincts, and experience. One misplay can cost a game. That’s why Washington, a legendary infield instructor, values defense above all.
Paris isn’t a natural fit anywhere else right now.
Shortstop? That’s Zach Neto’s position. Second base? That’s Rengifo’s job. Third? Moncada is there, trying to get back to form. So where exactly are we forcing Paris to play—just to play?
The Veterans Have a Purpose Too
Let’s talk about Kevin Newman, Nicky Lopez, Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada—names that fans are already ready to discard like expired milk.
Yes, the bats are cold. Yes, some have struggled in recent years. But this game is about more than today’s box score.
Newman brings defensive consistency and versatility.
Anderson has a batting title and All-Star pedigree—and he may be just 50 at-bats away from recapturing that form.
Lopez and Moncada offer flexibility and, more importantly, depth—something this franchise always loses to injury by June.
Ron Washington is evaluating. Perry Minasian is taking notes. Every game is a data point. What happens when Neto returns? You might have to cut someone. But doing that now, before you see what each vet brings to the table, is reckless roster management.
This Isn’t MLB The Show
Look—this isn’t your video game franchise mode. You don’t bench a guy for going 0-for-3. You don’t start a rookie full-time because he’s 4-for-9. You don’t hit the “simulate season” button.
You build. You test. You evaluate.
That means giving veterans a fair chance to show what they have left. That means letting Kyren Paris master his current role before changing it. That means letting Adell play without fear. That means understanding baseball decisions aren’t always emotional ones—even when fans are.
The Season is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
If Paris keeps excelling? His role will grow. That’s how this works. If Anderson, Moncada, or Newman don’t produce? Decisions will be made. If injuries hit—and they always do—depth will be needed.
But don’t forget: right now, this team is playing well. They’re defending. They’re pitching. They’re competing.
And Kyren Paris is doing his job.
So is Ron Washington.
So is Perry Minasian.
And if you really want to be a loyal fan—let them cook.
Final Thought: Loyalty Means More Than Just Cheering When They Win
Loyalty isn’t just buying a jersey or tweeting “Let’s go Halos!” when the team is ahead.
Loyalty is trusting the process even when you don’t fully understand it.
Loyalty is patience. It’s perspective.
It’s supporting the team through the ups and the downs—not just the highlight reels.
So yes, celebrate Kyren Paris. Love his hustle. Appreciate the spark.
But also trust in the staff that’s helping him succeed.
Trust in the structure. Trust in the long game.
Because if this team is going to win again—and stay winning—it’ll be because they stuck to their plan. Not because they panicked and changed course six games in.
Let Paris thrive in the role he was given.
Let the vets earn their keep—or not.
Let the team evolve as the season unfolds.
And let’s finally learn what it means to root for more than a moment.
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