The Los Angeles Angels have placed themselves in a challenging position this offseason, much to the disappointment of their fans. While the decision to part ways with Anthony Rendon was welcomed, the team’s efforts to enhance its roster have been lackluster. They did secure an early trade for Grayson Rodriguez, but the cost was significant, losing talent like Taylor Ward in the process. Although the acquisition of Josh Lowe is a positive move, expectations for him to turn the team’s fortunes around remain low.
It seems clear that Arte Moreno and the front office view the financial burden of Rendon not as an opportunity to reinvest in the team, but rather as a sunk cost that will weigh on their payroll through 2026. This outlook suggests that the Angels are likely to pursue only minor acquisitions moving forward. A recent highlight of their offseason plans was the return of Yoan Moncada on a one-year deal.
Angels fans are already familiar with Moncada, who played 84 games for the team last season. While he previously showcased impressive athleticism, injuries and time have impacted his performance. In his last stint, he recorded a .783 OPS over 289 plate appearances, although his .234 batting average leaves room for improvement.
The decision to re-sign Moncada appears to be a strategic one for the Angels—their motivations are clear: he’s an affordable option at just $4 million for the upcoming season, making him an attractive addition in a budget-conscious environment. For a franchise hesitant to increase payroll, securing a player of Moncada’s caliber at such a low cost is a sensible choice.
As the offseason progresses, it feels like the Angels are nearing the conclusion of their planned movements. With most high-profile free agents now signed, including nearly all except Framber Valdez, the likelihood of the Angels making further major investments seems slim. As it stands, this roster appears to need internal improvements to realize any significant progress, which poses a challenge given the evident constraints faced by the front office and ownership. However, welcoming back familiar faces like Moncada may provide the squad with much-needed stability as they look to turn the tide in the upcoming season.