Los Angeles Angels Roster
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MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Monday that the New York Mets are expected to pursue Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani in 2023 should he enter free agency. The 28-year-old phenom would be in high demand given his elite hitting and pitching talent. Ohtani slashed .273/.356/.519 with 34 home runs, 95 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 666 plate appearances in 2022 while also going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 33.2% strikeout rate in 28 starts. While the Mets and owner Steve Cohen have been one of baseball's spendiest teams of late, Cohen said of potentially going after Ohtani, "Hard to think about next year. I'm focused on this season." Ohtani will remain a top fantasy asset wherever he goes, but a move to the Mets would be a clear upgrade over his current team.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (back) said his back has been a "non-issue" for the last four months and it hasn't factored into his offseason much at all. That's excellent news for the Angels and fantasy managers as we approach the start of spring training. The 31-year-old played in only 119 games last season due to a condition called costovertebral dysfunction, which could be a long-term issue for him. The good news is that he was able to return to finish the 2022 campaign and hit .283/.369/.630 with a .999 OPS, 40 home runs, 80 RBI, 85 runs scored and one stolen base when it was all said and done. As long as he's healthy heading into the 2023 season, Trout will be a costly fantasy selection, but he now has much more risk than ever before if his back injury resurfaces.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported Monday that the San Diego Padres are planning to be "all in" on starting pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani if he becomes a free agent in the 2023 offseason. The 28-year-old phenom has one year left on his contract with the Los Angeles Angels, so he could potentially be traded this season or sign a contract extension with the Angels. If he does become a free agent, there will likely be high competition to sign him given his elite hitting and pitching talent. Ohtani slashed .273/.356/.519 with 34 home runs, 95 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 666 plate appearances in 2022 while also going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 33.2% strikeout rate in 28 starts. The Padres would be even more formidable if they were to sign him.
The Los Angeles Angels and first baseman Jared Walsh (shoulder) avoided salary arbitration after inking a one-year, $2.65 million deal. Walsh was sidelined for the last month of the season after undergoing a thoracic outlet surgery. He is expected to be ready for the 2023 season and shouldn't miss any time. Across 454 plate appearances, the 29-year-old posted a .215/.269/.374 slash line with 44 RBI and 15 HRs. His .642 OPS was nothing close to what he displayed in the two previous years, but his health certainly impeded his success. If the first baseman can stay healthy in 2023, the Angels are hoping that Walsh can tap into his raw power that was on display in 2021 when he hit 29 homers.
The Los Angeles Angels and outfielder Taylor Ward avoided salary arbitration on Friday by coming to an agreement on a one-year, $2.75 million deal. Ward had a .281/.360/.473 slash line with career-highs in OPS (.833), home runs (23), RBI (65), runs scored (73), stolen bases (five) and games played (135) for the Halos in 2022 in his fifth major-league season. The 29-year-old didn't hit quite as well after returning from several different injuries during the year, but he was one of a few bright spots for the Angels. With better health in 2023, Ward could be a fantasy steal.
