Analyzing the Los Angeles Angels’ Performance & Fantasy Prospects
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
2025 MLB Season: The Los Angeles Angels – A Season of Uncertainty and Opportunity
The Angels are a team with massive potential yet a history of underperformance. Despite consistently boasting one of the best players in the world, Mike Trout, and other high-profile names, the Angels still struggle to compete at the highest level. So, as we head into the 2025 season, is there any reason to believe that this year will be different for the Angels? Let’s break it down and assess their prospects for the season — with a betting lens in mind.
Los Angeles Angels: Can They Compete for a Playoff Spot?
When it comes to the Angels, there’s always a sense of optimism, but it often feels misplaced. Despite having Trout back and healthy (at least, for the time being), and the addition of players like Jorge Soler, the team faces significant issues in both their rotation and overall consistency. While they’re not as bad as teams like the Colorado Rockies, they still have a mountain to climb in a stacked American League.
Key Additions & Player Evaluations
The biggest positive for the Angels in 2025 is that Trout is expected to play in the outfield again, either in left or right, to minimize the risk of injury. While it’s tough to trust him to stay on the field for 140+ games, when he’s healthy, he’s still one of the top players in the game.
The Angels also added Soler, who has had a strong spring training and could be a key source of power in their lineup. He’s expected to hit 30+ home runs this season. However, the rest of the roster doesn’t inspire much confidence. Players like Yoán Moncada and Logan O’Hoppe have yet to prove they can be reliable contributors, and the Angels’ track record of handing out questionable contracts to players remains a major red flag.
Betting Angle: Will the Angels Make the Playoffs?
The odds of the Angels making the playoffs are long. In a competitive AL West, with teams like the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in the mix, the Angels are once again on the outside looking in. With pitching still a major concern, the team will need a lot to go right — and that’s a tough bet.
Verdict: Sell on the Angels making the playoffs. Even with Trout and Soler in the lineup, their rotation and lack of consistent depth will likely keep them out of the postseason race.
The Fantasy Dilemma: Is There Value in Angels Players?
Despite the overall pessimism surrounding the Angels, there are still a few players worth considering in fantasy baseball — especially if you’re looking for value picks.
Trout: The big question is, how many games can you realistically pencil in for Trout? Injuries have plagued him in recent seasons, and while he’s still a top-tier player when healthy, it’s risky to expect him to play 140 games. With that in mind, drafting Trout in the 3rd or 4th round of your fantasy league seems like the sweet spot. He’s a solid gamble for high upside, but you’ll need depth on your roster to mitigate the injury risk.
Soler: Soler is going to hit 30+ home runs, and if you can snag him as a DH or utility player late in the draft, he could be a great value pick. His power will keep the Angels’ offense respectable.
Jo Adell: Adell has immense potential, but he’s struggled to put it together consistently over a full season. If you’re looking for a high-risk, high-reward player, Adell could be a decent bench stash. Consider drafting him as a backup outfielder, but don’t expect a breakout just yet.
O’Hoppe: O’Hoppe could be an option if you’re waiting on catcher. Catchers tend to be a volatile position in fantasy, and if you’re going the route of waiting on a catcher, O’Hoppe is a reasonable choice to fill that spot. He’s likely to be a mid-tier option at the position, but if you’re playing in deeper leagues, he could be a serviceable backup.
Betting Angle: Over/Under on Trout Games Played?
The question is, how many games will Trout play in 2025? The over/under on 100 games is probably the right line. While a 110-120 game season is possible, it’s tough to rely on him for a full year. Taking the under on 110 games seems like the safer bet.
The Angels’ Pitching: A Major Weakness
It’s tough to sugarcoat it: the Angels’ pitching staff is just not up to par with the elite teams in the American League.
Key Pitching Issues:
- Tyler Anderson, Kyle Hendricks, and Reid Detmers make up the starting rotation. While there’s some upside, none of these pitchers are considered true aces.
- The bullpen also doesn’t inspire confidence, and Kenley Jansen, despite being a solid closer in the past, may not be the reliable option he once was.
Betting Angle: Angels’ Pitching Performance
With a shaky pitching staff, it’s hard to be confident in the Angels finishing with a strong win total. For betting purposes, under on their win total would likely be the best move. Even with an elite hitter like Trout leading the charge, pitching will keep them from being a legitimate contender.
Conclusion: Can the Angels Turn It Around in 2025?
The 2025 season for the Angels is shaping up to be another year of promise mixed with frustration. While they have one of the best players in the league, Trout, and a potential power hitter in Soler, the lack of pitching depth and overall roster inconsistency will make it tough for them to truly compete.
For betting purposes, the Angels are likely a team to fade in the playoff race, and taking the under on their win total seems like the safer play. If you’re looking to take a shot in fantasy baseball, Trout is a decent pick, but you’ll want to temper expectations on his health. Outside of that, there’s not much reason to invest heavily in Angels players this season.
So, while they may not be the Rockies, the Angels are still a long way from being a postseason lock.
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