Who are the Angels' Core?

Derek Ciapala and Nate Green look at which members of the current Los Angeles Angels roster should be viewed as part of the core for the future.

[@Nuccturnaal]

They don't need 9 All- Stars, just 2-3 AS caliber hitters. O'Hoppe is a start. Schanuel is a Bogaertes (formerly Red Sox) type hitter, makes contact, who can potentially drive in 80+ guys a season if he's hitting somewhere 3-5 in the lineup. Keep Rengifo for a short term contract because I think he can still put up 3-4 years of AS worthy numbers.

[@billmorton7720]

Thank you guys, great show !! Build around O'Hoppe and Hero as your core and leaders. Schanuel, I think will become like you both said, .290-20-80+ basically a Wally Joyner type and that's fine. The big key is the upcoming draft and trade deadline. Gotta get the best player available at #8 and the rest of the draft. Trade deadline, we have alot of players other teams want, make them pay with blue chip kids, lots of them. If,if,if this can happen, then we can really have a deep young foundation going forward. Playoff contender, hopefully in 2026 or at the latest 2027. In 2025 hoping for a big step up to .500+ level as the kids really start to mature. This could be really, really fun watching the kids bring us back to being a contender. Hoping Arte and the front office don't mess this up. All Angels fans can see this draft and trades as our ticket to climbing out of this. It all depends if Arte,Perry etc. can follow this, it isn't difficult. Go with the kids and build the farm system. Take good care everyone Go Angels!!!!

[@billmorton7720]

Oops, Neto not Hero. Sorry, senior citizens can't type !

[@beast5450]

"when was the last time we had a good First Basemen?" Me: JARED WALSH

[@Jd80026]

They can have 6th O’Hoppe - 7th Neto - 8th Schanuel . That’s it. I guess Trout at cleanup. They need a real 1-3. They need 2 actual OF who can hit and a hitting 3B or 2B. They can find vets for 9th spot Soriano is a great #4. Dana might crack the #4 next year Detmers is lost but maybe he can salvage #5 in the rotation if he grows a pair. They need 6 expensive players to compete. Arte won’t do that.

[@Badace8100]

Hold on to regnifo cause like you discussed. Team always hurt. He can play multiple positions and his ceiling is now. Lock him up smaller contract next couple years.

[@Kwolfx]

I agree. Unless another team were really desperate for his services; which is unlikely, and offers more than Rengifo is worth, a three to maximum four year extension is worthwhile for the Angels to pursue. Rengifo is 27, so even with a four extension the Angels only keep him through his age 32 season. If Rengifo doesn't want to accept an extension; which I assume would be offered at the end of this season, then he can be traded during the Winter meetings or at next year's trade deadline.

[@Jd80026]

How’d you forget Kendry Morales at 1B. Mark Trumbo?

[@Kwolfx]

The "Angel's core" is an optimistic phrase. Right now that core consists of Logan O'Hoppe, Zach Neto and perhaps Luis Rengifo. That is two or maybe three players. Their other young players performances this season have ranged from something of a letdown (Nolan Schanuel) to fallen off a cliff (Mickey Moniak). Plus, just when it looked like Jo Adell was starting to fulfill his potential, he starts turning back into a pumpkin. The only reason the Angels shouldn't move those last three is their weak performances this year wouldn't warrant other teams to offer much in return. As far as pitching goes, you guys are really optimistic. Aside from Soriano, I'm not seeing anyone else to build around. Canning is 28 years old. He should be in his prime right now, not an also ran with a FIP over 5. Detmers has been terrible, but he is 24 and might improve. I suspect that aside from trading for pitching prospects, the Angels really need a new pitching coach and of course improved pitching development down at the minor league level. What top free agent pitcher; someone who wants a real shot at reaching the World Series, is going to want to sign with the Angels? My guess is none. Finally, has the TV revenue situation been resolved? I admit I haven't been paying attention. Without massive TV revenue Artie is probably going to remain cheap when it comes to signing FA's. Everyone whose contract expires at the end of this season needs to be moved. Taylor Ward should also be on the trading block. He's 30 years old. Do you really think he will play better next year and bring more than he can now? He's not a great player, but for a contender he's a decent extra outfielder with some pop in his bat. I say move him now if he can bring back some real value.

[@sega77770]

They have no core this team is horrible