Angels News: MLB Insider Suggests Halos Bolster Defense & Pitching

Anaheim may need some reassurance in these departments to end their playoff drought

The Los Angeles Angels are having a 2023 season that is having more good than bad, and that's a surprise to many. For the past decade, the Halos have been a disappointment; they have failed to reach the postseason since 2014 and have yet to reach a .500 record since 2015. They're looking to change that, and this year could be the year. 

The Halos are primed to be a postseason team, and they aren't too far from it right now. They sit two games out of the final wild card spot and seven games in back of the Texas Rangers in the AL West. However, they may still need something extra to get over this drought. MLB Insider for Bleacher Report Brandon Scott broke down every team ahead of the MLB trade deadline and listed defense and pitching as needs for the Angels. 

While it once seemed like the Angels could trade Shohei Ohtani before losing him in free agency, it looks like they are just competitive enough to compete in the AL West. The Texas Rangers and Astros are ahead, but the Angels have a positive run differential and healthy stars as they approach the midpoint of the season. The Angels' defense and pitching could use some work, ranking 17th in outs above average, 18th in runs prevented and the eighth-highest xFIP, according to FanGraphs.

The Halos have a puncher's chance if they remain pat, but if they add an arm or two or get some defense, then they can be a threat in the postseason. The Angels were uber-aggressive this offseason in adding pitching, but thus far, their starting pitching signings haven't worked out. 

The numbers above don't resemble a postseason team, and defense all throughout the diamond will be key in a playoff push. Don't be surprised if the Halos are buyers in this year's trade deadline. A lot will ride on the front office to show they are serious about winning and want to keep their superstar Shohei Ohtani in a Halos uniform past this season. 

We'll see how they approach the deadline come late July.