The biggest storyline coming from the Los Angeles Angels offseason has been them losing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to the cross-town Los Angeles Dodgers. With Ohtani gone, the Angels have to find a way to keep themselves competitive.
They still have a few stars on the team and will need them to step up this season. Both Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon will be counted on heavily, and they are now the faces of the team again.
New Angels manager Ron Washington revealed what he is looking for from his two star players. Washington knows that in order for the team to be successful, he needs them both performing up to par.
“All I want them to do is get back to just being who they are. They don’t have to take the team and put them on their back. Because everybody on the team’s gonna pull their weight, and if they can’t pull their weight they’re not gonna be on the team – it’s that simple.”
Per Ron Washington via Foul Territory
The biggest issue with both players has been their availability on the field. Rendon hasn’t been able to stay healthy since he joined the Halos in 2020 and hasn’t played more than 58 games in a full season.
They have missed his bat in the lineup, and it’s hurt their overall production. But the Angels are hopeful some of his injury issues are behind him.
As for Trout, he missed the majority of the second half of the season in 2023. He played in one game at the end of August but returned to the injured list right after.
Trout will need to be the star that everyone has come to expect from him. He is a three-time MVP winner, and the Halos will be counting on him immensely.
If they listen to Washington and get back to being who they are, the Angels might have a chance to compete. It won’t be easy, but nothing ever is throughout a long 162-game season.
