Patrick Sandoval Says Angels 'Got Clubhouse Back' Post Shohei Ohtani

Jason Fray | Mar 31, 2024

Every year, the feel in an MLB clubhouse is slightly different than it was the year prior. Offseason acquisitions contribute to this change – as do members of the team/infrastructure that may leave for other organizations.

When it comes to the Los Angeles Angels, things might be a bit different than usual. The team has a multi-time MVP-sized hole missing in the form of Shohei Ohtani. Since signing with the Dodgers in the offseason, the Angels have struggled to replace him in some form or fashion from a production standpoint.

The offseason can generally be described as both quiet and disappointing. The Angels worked on the fringes rather than committing money to some of the more established free agents on the market.

While the team failed to land a ‘big fish’, it doesn’t mean things won’t be a bit more settled within the dugout dynamics. Pitcher Patrick Sandoval (per the LA Times) elaborated further by saying that the team got their clubhouse back.

What does Sandoval mean, exactly? He expanded on the premise a bit more.

“I guess the narrative on the outside is that we’re kind of forgotten about now that Ohtani is not here. There are no high expectations of us from the media and the fans and baseball in general.”

Losing Ohtani in any circumstance isn’t ideal. He’s a generational talent and one who would make the Angels better.

On the other hand, without his free agency looming over the club like it did all of last year, the team can (in theory) now operate freely without the stress or ambiguity.

As Sandoval mentioned, no one is expecting much of the Angels. Whether the team wants to admit it or not, a massive rebuild is in full swing. This is more so rooted in the culture of the club rather than personnel turnover. New manager Ron Washington is a highly experienced and well-respected guy rooted in player development.

Without the pressure of having to make the postseason, this team should be able to play freely – and in the process could surprise some people with a healthy Mike Trout and the expected uptick in production from the younger players on the roster.