Here's how the Halos' Opening Day roster could look
After finishing last year with 99 losses, the Angels made a flurry of moves early in the offseason, only for things to slow down heading into Spring Training.
Early on, the Angels added veterans such as Jorge Soler, Yusei Kikuchi, Travis d¡¯Arnaud, Kyle Hendricks and Kevin Newman. Recently, they made a few notable Minor League signings, such as Tim Anderson and J.D. Davis, before agreeing to terms with Yo¨¢n Moncada on a one-year deal.
The Angels will have plenty of spots up for grabs this spring. With that in mind, here¡¯s how the roster is projected to look come Opening Day against the White Sox in Chicago on March 27:
Catcher (2): Logan O'Hoppe, Travis d'Arnaud
O¡¯Hoppe will be the primary catcher again, after 127 games behind the plate in his first full season last year, but the Angels brought in d¡¯Arnaud to ease the burden and help mentor him.
First base (1): Nolan Schanuel
Schanuel is looking to build on his rookie season that saw him play in 147 games. Niko Kavadas and Ryan Noda are also on the 40-man roster, while J.D. Davis is a non-roster invite.
Second base (1): Luis Rengifo
Rengifo will compete for the second-base job with several candidates, including top prospect Christian Moore as well as Kevin Newman, Scott Kingery, David Mershon and Yolmer S¨¢nchez.
Shortstop (1): Tim Anderson
Zach Neto is expected to open the year on the injured list after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder in November. Anderson is on a Minor League contract, so he¡¯ll have to earn his spot on the roster, competing with others like Newman, Kingery and Kyren Paris.
Third base (1): Yoán Moncada
Moncada agreed to terms on a one-year deal just ahead of Spring Training, and he will be in a position battle at third base. Anthony Rendon appears more likely to head to a bench role, while others in the mix include Cole Fontenelle, Carter Kieboom and Davis.
Outfield (4): Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak
The outfield is essentially set, but the Angels have yet to announce how much center field Trout will play this season, as he could see more action in the corner-outfield spots to lower the risk of injury. Ward has established himself as the club¡¯s everyday left fielder, while Adell and Moniak will play based on matchups, with Soler also seeing some time in the outfield.
DH (1): Jorge Soler
Soler will be the club¡¯s primary designated hitter, but Trout, Rendon and others will see time at DH.
Bench/Utility (2): Anthony Rendon, Kevin Newman
Rendon has had trouble staying healthy in recent seasons, and starting at third base again this year is far from a guarantee. Newman will compete for a starting spot at several positions.
Starting pitchers (5): Yusei Kikuchi, Tyler Anderson, José Soriano, Kyle Hendricks, Jack Kochanowicz
The top four spots in the rotation are pretty much set after the Angels signed Kikuchi to a three-year deal and Hendricks to a one-year pact. The fifth spot is up for grabs among several candidates, including Kochanowicz, who had a strong rookie year. Others competing for the final spot include Reid Detmers, Chase Silseth, Sam Bachman and Jos¨¦ Suarez and prospects Caden Dana, Sam Aldegheri and George Klassen.
Relief pitchers (8): Ben Joyce, Ryan Zeferjahn, Brock Burke, José Quijada, Hans Crouse, Chase Silseth, Garrett McDaniels, José Suarez
Unless they make a last-minute addition, the Angels appear likely to have Joyce at closer to open the season, and there will be a competition for several spots in the bullpen. Silseth is a candidate to be moved to the bullpen if he doesn¡¯t crack the rotation, while Suarez is out of options and could fit in as long reliever again. McDaniels is a Rule 5 Draft selection who will need to stay on the roster all season or be offered back to the Dodgers.