Angels News: Halos GM Gives Insight on Next Steps for The Catcher Position

The other catchers will need to step up in O'Hoppe's absence

Angels rookie catcher Logan O'Hoppe could miss the rest of the 2023 season after suffering a torn labrum. The 23-year-old was coming into his own in his first real shot at the big leagues. He was a vital threat in the Angels lineup, and with him now gone, someone else must fill that role. 

That will fall on the heels of lefty batter Matt Thaiss and recently called-up righty Chad Wallach. Angels general manager Perry Minasian spoke to the media prior to Sunday's game and told OC Register's J.P. Hoornstra that he believes in the other two catchers at his disposal. 

“Obviously Matt being fairly young (27), I think we’re seeing him develop on a day-to-day basis,” Minasian said. “Chad’s been there and done that, obviously a veteran catcher who’s caught playoff games and can handle a pitching staff. We like where we’re currently at.”

Thaiss has been in a limited role due to the rise of Logan's game. In a limited role, Matt hasn't done well at all. In 16 ABs, he has a .125 batting average with one home run, 2 RBIs, and a .613 OPS. That homer and two RBIs came in Saturday's loss to the Royals. 

Wallach, on the other hand, is still getting accustomed to the MLB lifestyle. In just 6 ABs, he has an average of .167 with one homer, two RBIs, and a .834 OPS. The 31-year-old has spent most of his time in the minor leagues and is in his second season in Anaheim. 

It may look bleak, Angel fans, but these two catchers are doing well thus far, and we hope they can keep it up.