Part 2: Building Towards 2025 – Assessing the Current Depth Chart

With a projected $170 million payroll currently for 2025, the Angels are $6 million under 2024 payroll. According to Arte Moreno the Angels will increase their payroll and I think realistically that number will go up to $200 millon. With that in mind the Angels are in a position to make some bold yet thoughtful moves to complement their promising young core. The front office has already made some notable additions:

• Travis d'Arnaud: A reliable backup catcher.

• Jorge Soler: A power bat to anchor the DH spot.

• Ryan Newman: A versatile utility player.

• Kyle Hendricks: A veteran starter to mentor the young rotation.

• Depth signings like Ryan Noda and Scott Kingery add needed flexibility.

Let’s take a closer look at the current roster:

Projected Batting Order:

1. Nolan Schanuel – 1B

2. Zach Neto – SS

3. Mike Trout – CF

4. Jorge Soler – DH

5. Luis Rengifo – 2B

6. Taylor Ward – LF

7. Anthony Rendon – 3B

8. Logan O’Hoppe – C

9. Jo Adell – RF

Bench:

• Mickey Moniak

• Travis d’Arnaud

• Ryan Newman

• Ryan Noda

Starting Rotation:

1. Jose Soriano

2. Tyler Anderson

3. Reid Detmers

4. Landon Kochanowicz

5. Kyle Hendricks

Bullpen:

• Ben Joyce

• Jake Burke

• José Quijada

• Robert Stephenson (when healthy)

• Hans Crouse

• Nathan Zeferjan

• José Suarez

While the Angels have taken positive steps, clear gaps remain—particularly in the outfield, bullpen, and starting rotation. Next, we’ll explore how to fill those gaps.