ANAHEIM -- While the external expectations weren’t high for the Angels after they lost a club-record 99 games in 2024, they believed in their young core and surrounded them with several key veterans.
That combination has led to surprising results, as the Angels went into the All-Star break with a 47-49 record, sitting four games out of an American League Wild Card spot. They’ve been a feel-good story and have played a more exciting brand of baseball compared to recent years, although veteran manager Ron Washington did have to go on medical leave on June 27 and will not return this season.
But Washington established a winning culture that preaches hard work and accountability, and interim manager Ray Montgomery is tasked with keeping that in place. And while the club has a young core of key players such as Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel, Logan O’Hoppe, Jo Adell and José Soriano, there’s been a shift in goals this year.
“We’re not here to develop, although that's a piece to what we do. We're here to win,” Montgomery said. “If you would’ve told me heading into the All-Star break that we would be in the mix and couple games above or below .500, I’d be happy with it. But I'm not ignorant of the fact that we've cost ourselves a few games, we should be a little better than we are.”
O’Hoppe reiterated that point, as he said the club’s mentality has changed with experience, and he believes now they’re ready to become perennial contenders.
“In years past, it was good to see positive results, even if that didn't result in wins,” he said. “But to be honest with you, we're over it. Like we know what we're capable of doing and we need to win games.”
One second-half goal
The goal is for the Angels to stay in contention, as they weren’t expected to compete this year, so getting that kind of experience would be beneficial for the club’s young core. Of course, making the postseason is the ultimate goal, but even hanging around the AL Wild Card race would be a big improvement after losing 99 games last year.
Likely Trade Deadline strategy
It’s still too early to say what the Angels will do, as the next two weeks will be critical for them. If they play well, they could look to add an outfielder or relief help. But if they fall off, they could move veterans such as impending free agents Kenley Jansen, Tyler Anderson, Kyle Hendricks, Yoán Moncada, Luis Rengifo and possibly even Taylor Ward.
Key player
Mike Trout has been solid offensively but hasn’t played at a superstar level. He missed a month with a bone bruise in his left knee and has been relegated to designated hitter duty since returning in late May. He’s hopeful to return to right field at some point after the break, and if he can go on a second-half hot streak, he can carry the offense at times. He also has to prove he can stay healthy the rest of the way.
Prospect to watch
No. 1 prospect Christian Moore is currently out with a sprained left thumb, but he is expected to return by early August. The 22-year-old hit .189/.302/.396 with three homers, a triple and eight RBIs through his first 18 career games, including a flair for the dramatic with several key hits late in games.
The Angels have a tough slate to open the second half, and how they play the next few weeks will determine whether they’ll be able to add to the club or if they’ll be sellers. Montgomery, who also has front-office experience, said he understands that sense of urgency to keep things going ahead of the July 31 Trade Deadline.
“I don't think it would hurt,” Montgomery said. “Having been in the Draft rooms and around Trade Deadlines, anytime the big league team is playing well at that time, it sort of enhances the good vibes about what your decisions are.”
Games remaining: 66, (Home, 34; Away: 32)
Remaining strength of schedule: .508, tied for ninth in MLB, tied for fourth in AL, tied for second in AL West
Key series
• July 18-23: Six-game road trip to open the second half against the Phillies and Mets, which could determine whether they buy or sell at the Trade Deadline.
• July 24-Aug. 6: The Angels have a rare 13-game homestand because of a schedule switch with the Rays that saw the club go to Tampa in April instead of August.
• Aug. 11-13: Three-game series against the rival Dodgers at Angel Stadium after Angels swept three games at Dodger Stadium in mid-May.