Angels View Specific Position as 'Safety Net' on Roster For 2024

The Angels seem to have a plan in mind.

The Los Angeles Angels entered the offseason looking to retain two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. He has filled the role of the designated hitter for the team since he arrived, but the Halos were unsuccessful in their attempt to keep him.

With Ohtani heading to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team needs a new designated hitter. They have kept the spot open, and it seems that is for a specific reason.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Angels view the designated hitter spot as a "safety net" for both third baseman Anthony Rendon and outfielder Mike Trout.

"Center fielder Mike Trout and third baseman Anthony Rendon have been frequently injured in recent seasons, so the Angels are reluctant to tie up the DH spot when it looms as a safety net for both players."

Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic

Both Trout and Rendon have dealt with numerous injuries over the last few seasons, so taking them off the field while keeping them in the lineup could greatly benefit the team. It could help keep both players healthy, which should correlate to more on-field success.

It wouldn't be the worst idea for the Angels to make Rendon and Trout the interchangeable designated hitters for this season. At worst, they could test it out in 2024 to see how they perform.