The Los Angeles Angels haven’t made a postseason appearance since the 2014 season. But will 2023 be the year the Angels can turn it around and make a playoff run? Heading into the 2023 season, the Angels and GM Perry Minasian have made great trades and signings for the team. Here are the three reasons why the Angels will have a successful year in 2023.
Why The Angels Will Make the Playoffs in 2023
1. The Angels New Pitching Staff
This offseason, Angels GM Perry Minasian was able to snag multiple new pitchers to the Angels staff. One is former Dodger, Tyler Anderson. The veteran left-hander had a breakout season in 2022, recording a 2.57 ERA in 28 games started and even held the opposing batters’ average to .221. Anderson was also named a 2022 NL All-Star. If the 33-year-old veteran can have another great season like 2022 it would definitely benefit the Angels pitching staff by a ton.
During the 2022 MLB Winter Meetings, the Angels inked veteran right-handed reliever, Carlos Estévez. The Angels were in desperate need of bullpen arms as the Angels ranked among the league’s worst in 2022. Estévez is coming off a career season in 2022, recording a 3.47 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 62 appearances. Estévez is also making a good impact on the younger guys on the Angels pitching staff.
“Estévez has been such a leader for those bullpen guys already,” said Angels manager Phil Nevin. As the 30-year-old is entering his seventh season in MLB and will definitely help boost the Angels bullpen.
2. Phil Nevin gets a full season with the Angels
On June 7, 2022, former Angels manager Joe Maddon was fired after a 12-game losing streak. Phil Nevin, who joined the coaching staff the same year, was promoted to become the interim manager for the remainder of the season.
Though, Nevin wasn’t able to create a movie-like comeback season. He showed some good signs of success, however. Nevin had the Angels playing back at .500 baseball in the last 60 games of the season though dealing with multiple players with injuries, slumps, etc. On October 5th, the Angels decided to remove the interim title and hired Phil Nevin as the manager for the 2023 season.
Even the Angels superstar Mike Trout had only good things to say about Phil Nevin. Trout said Nevin’s “doing a great job” and was “fun to play for.”. Manager Phil Nevin can be a big part of the Angels’ success in 2023.
Read More: An Angels outfielder is an under-the-radar stud about to break out.
3. Anthony Rendon is fully ready for the 2023 season
On Dec 11, 2019, all-star third baseman Anthony Rendon signed a seven-year, $245 million deal. After signing with the Angels, the veteran third baseman couldn’t seem to get back into his groove.
Dealing with multiple injuries and slumps, Anthony Rendon is looking to ‘Prove Guys Wrong’ this season.
“He says he feels as great as he has in a long time,” Nevin said. “Our conversations this winter have been really good. Our workouts, he hasn’t missed anything. He’s ready to go. He’s excited. He’s at an age where he’s got a lot left, peak left. And he feels that way.”.
If Anthony Rendon can have a healthy and full 2023 season, the veteran third baseman could very well be a big part of the Angels success.
The Los Angeles Angels are trying to crack the playoff drought and make the postseason for the first time since 2014. It won’t be easy with the reigning World Series Champions Houston and the Rangers who spent a lot of money this offseason improving the roster. In return, the Angels GM Perry Minasian has also made great moves adding great talent to the Angels roster. Will the Los Angeles Angels be able to crack the postseason drought or will the Angels finally be able to give Angel fans a postseason experience once again?
Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY
