Saturday, November 07

ANAHEIM -- With the annual MLB General Managers Meetings coming up from Tuesday to Thursday in Las Vegas, the Angels are still in a bit of a holding pattern.

Interim GM John Mozeliak will be there to represent the organization but is stepping away once his contract is up in December, so it’s more about gathering intel on free agency and the trade market. As a result, the Angels don’t appear ready to make any notable moves until the new ownership group is officially approved.

Mozeliak remains tasked with day-to-day operations, but the Angels don’t plan to hire a new GM or manager until Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s purchase from Arte Moreno is approved and haven’t started any interview processes just yet. The Angels were hopeful the owners would vote on the pending acquisition at the upcoming Owners Meetings in New York from Nov. 17-19, but it’s reportedly not on the docket.

But once the new ownership and leadership are in place, they’ll be tasked with improving a roster that lost 100 games in ’26. Here’s a look at how that roster currently stands and how it could be improved:

Catcher 

Travis d’Arnaud is a free agent, and the Angels will have to decide whether to tender a contract to veteran Tyler Heineman, who was praised for his defense and leadership but struggled offensively. Moisés Ballesteros is also expected to catch more in ’27, but the Angels will need to add at least one catcher to that mix this offseason. Sebastián Rivero was outrighted off the roster last week and Logan Porter could also be removed from the 40-man roster this offseason. Carson Kelly, Tyler Stephenson or Austin Hedges could be candidates via free agency. 

Infield 

The Angels have Zach Neto entrenched at shortstop and Nolan Schanuel at first base, but either could be a trade candidate if they decide to rebuild. Otherwise, Vaughn Grissom, Oswald Peraza and Nacho Alvarez Jr. are competing for utility roles with former top prospect Christian Moore looking to bounce back. Denzer Guzman, 22, played 84 games at third base last year and had trouble offensively, so he could go back to the Minors for more seasoning. They could go after a veteran second baseman like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Luis Arraez, Gleyber Torres or Jeff McNeil in free agency while third-base options include Teruaki Sato, Edmundo Sosa, Alec Bohm and J.P. Crawford. 

Outfield

Mike Trout is expected to move to left field and Wade Meckler emerged as a potential everyday player in right field, although he’ll need to prove he can consistently hit lefties. Center field is up in the air with the light-hitting Bryce Teodosio an option because of his elite defense and No. 6 prospect Nelson Rada is getting close to reaching the Majors. Josh Lowe and Jose Siri are non-tender candidates but could be brought back to provide depth while Gustavo Campero is also a depth piece. If the Angels dip into free agency, top targets could include center fielders Daulton Varsho and Trent Grisham and corner outfielders Ian Happ, Michael Conforto, Lane Thomas, Victor Robles or possibly even a reunion with Taylor Ward.

Starting pitching 

Over the last two months of the season, the Angels' starting pitching was among MLB’s best, and all their starters return. Lefty Reid Detmers is coming off a season that will get him some Cy Young Award down-ballot votes and right-hander Walbert Ureña will likely finish in the top five in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Veteran Yusei Kikuchi has one year and $21.2 million left on his deal while right-hander Grayson Rodriguez pitched better down the stretch after missing ’25 due to injury. Rookies Ryan Johnson (2.83 ERA over final 10 starts) and George Klassen (3.67 ERA in six starts) also provided some optimism. No. 2 prospect Tyler Bremner, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 Draft, is also near the big leagues. But under new ownership, would the Angels try to make a splash and sign ace Tarik Skubal? It’s hard to know at this point, but otherwise starting pitching doesn’t appear to be a major priority unless they trade Detmers or Kikuchi. 

Bullpen

The bullpen was a huge issue in ’26 and will look to be overhauled with a few key holdovers, including flamethrower Ben Joyce, Samy Natera Jr., Ryan Watson, Tayler Saucedo and Sam Bachman. How aggressive the Angels decide to be in adding relievers will mostly depend on if they are looking to compete in ’27 or rebuild. Some of the top relief free agents include Adrian Morejon, Sean Newcomb, Bryan Abreu, Raisel Iglesias and Evan Phillips.

Trout and Neto were both named Silver Slugger Award finalists at their respective positions on Thursday, Louisville Slugger announced. Trout is seeking his 10th Silver Slugger Award, while Neto is aiming to win it for the first time. Trout is among nine outfielders vying for three awards, while Neto is one of three finalists at shortstop along with Bobby Witt Jr. and Kevin McGonigle. The winners will be announced on Nov. 17.

Who was the last Angels infielder to win a Silver Slugger Award? 

A. Jared Walsh 

B. Tommy La Stella 

C. Troy Glaus 

D. Albert Pujols

Shortstop Arjun Nimmala, ranked as the club’s No. 1 prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 34 overall, was named an All-Star in the Arizona Fall League after a strong showing with the Mesa Solar Sox. Nimmala, 21, has been on a recent hot streak and is batting .316/.464/.539 with two homers, seven doubles, two triples and 15 RBIs in 19 games.  

It’s been an impressive follow-up after he also led Double-A Rocket City to the Southern League championship after being acquired from the Blue Jays for right-hander José Soriano on Aug. 3. The AFL Fall Stars Game is on Sunday at 5 p.m. PT. at Salt River Fields and will be broadcast on MLB Network and MLB.com.

C. Glaus, in 2001.

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