2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Los Angeles Angels

It was widely expected that the 2023-24 offseason be a consequential offseason for the Angels thanks to the impending free agency of Shohei Ohtani. So, what went down in SoCal? Here’s a look at our 2023-24 MLB offseason recap for the Los Angeles Angels.

Notable Additions

The Angels bullpen wasn’t exactly a strong spot in 2023. Los Angeles relievers in 2023 finished 26th in SIERA (4.41) and the Angels front office added depth with several notable additions.

Among those newcomers is Robert Stephenson, who had a resurgence last season with the Rays after using a modified slider grip.

Lefty Matt Moore, who signed with the Angels last offseason but was waived last August amidst a payroll purge, came back to Los Angeles during the winter.

Offensively, the Angels didn’t add much. However, Los Angeles did pick up former Oriole Aaron Hicks, who hit well after he joined the O’s midway through last season.

Aside from those moves, the Angels netted several former Major Leaguers on Minor League deals, including Miguel Sano, Francisco Mejia, and Drew Pomeranz.

Here’s a look at the subtractions part of our Angels offseason recap.

Notable Subtractions

Yes, it happened. After months of intrigue as to where Ohtani would play come 2024, the two-way sensation stayed in southern California — but will wear Dodger blue this upcoming season.

The departure of Ohtani comes after the superstar won his second AL MVP after an incredible 2023 campaign.

Aside from Ohtani, the Angels lost several others acquired to boost the team’s playoff odds while he was still in town, including C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk, and Gio Urshela.

Aaron Loup, who pitched well in 2021-22, struggled in 2023 and is no longer on the Angels roster.

What to Expect from 2024

The Angels could not make it to the playoffs during any of Ohtani’s six seasons in Los Angeles. And entering the 2024 campaign, it certainly won’t be easy to make it.

The Mariners return a very strong rotation and Houston still has a dominant group. Oh, and the Texas Rangers kept the Commissioner’s Trophy in the AL West for another season.

Los Angeles did improve the bullpen, as the additions of Stephenson, Moore, and Jose Cisnero give new manager Ron Washington more options to play with. However, the Angels will need Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon — Los Angeles’ two biggest and highest-paid bats — more than ever come 2024.