Los Angeles Angels

MLB American League West Los Angeles Angels 2022

Despite an MVP performance from Shohei Ohtani, they still finished the year with a 77-85 record, 18 games back of the division-winning Houston Astros.

The Angels struggled with injuries in 2021. Mike Trout (8 HR, 18 RBI) only played in 36 games, while Anthony Rendon (6 HR, 34 RBI) only played in 58. Those two collectively made approximately $63 million in 2021.

Anytime you have two players making that much money and only play in a combined 94 games, it is a recipe for disaster.

The team finished 17th in the majors last year in runs per game, averaging 4.46. For as inconsistent as their offense was, the pitching was worse. They ranked 22nd in the majors in staff earned run average at 4.69.

Thus far this offseason, the Angels have brought back closer Raisel Iglesias on a four-year contract as well as signed pitchers Michael Lorenzen and Aaron Loup to help with their bullpen.

The biggest signing, though, might be star pitcher Noah Syndergaard. While he is a significant injury risk, he is also the type of pitcher the Angels need to improve their staff.

While these pitching additions, and any other additions they make after the lockout, will help, the biggest x-factor for the Angels in 2022 is health. If Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, and Shohei Ohtani are healthy in the middle of the lineup, the Angels could make a run at the division. If not, it may be another year before the Angels make their second World Series appearance.

MLB American League West Los Angeles Angels History

 

As one of the first expansion teams in MLB history, the Los Angeles Angels were established in 1961. Interestingly, because every other Californian team has franchise roots in other locations, the Angels are the only team to have been founded in California.

While the Angels have always been known by that name, the location has interestingly changed multiple times. Originally named the Los Angeles Angels, they changed to the California Angels after the team moved to Anaheim in 1966.
Fast forward to 1997, and the team changed its name to the Anaheim Angels but was changed to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005. Finally, in 2016, the team returned to its original name as the Los Angeles Angels.

Since the creation of divisions in 1969, the Angels have been a part of the AL West. They are one of just two teams (along with the Oakland Athletics) that have been in the AL West since it first started.

Since their first season in 1961, the Los Angeles Angels have a record just under .500. They are a combined 4,812 – 4,838, good for a .499 winning percentage.

The Angels have called Angel Stadium home since 1966. In their first season, they played at Wrigley Field in California, followed by Chavez Ravine Stadium from 1962 to 1965.