1 Angels trade, 1 free agent, and 1 internal option to replace Shohei Ohtani as DH

The Los Angeles Angels face a significant decision this offseason, as the future of Shohei Ohtani hangs in the balance. While it is undeniable that there is no perfect substitute for a player of Ohtani’s caliber, the Angels must explore alternative options should he choose to depart in free agency.

Should the Angels succeed in retaining Ohtani, his role for the 2024 season would be limited to that of a designated hitter, as he will not be pitching until 2025. However, the prevailing expectation suggests that Ohtani may indeed leave the team. In such a scenario, the Angels would inevitably lose the services of the game’s premier hitter. Consequently, the task of finding a suitable replacement for Shohei Ohtani becomes an arduous one.

In their quest to fill the void left by Ohtani, the Angels have two avenues to explore: internal and external options. Internally, they can turn to existing players within their organization who possess the potential to step up and contribute offensively. This might involve giving increased opportunities to talented prospects or utilizing versatile players already on their roster to collectively compensate for Ohtani’s departure.

Alternatively, the Angels can cast their gaze beyond their current roster and consider external options. This could involve pursuing free agents who exhibit a similar skill set to Ohtani or exploring potential trades to acquire a hitter capable of making a significant impact. While it may be challenging to find an exact replica of Ohtani’s unique abilities, the Angels can still identify players who possess the offensive prowess and versatility to make a positive impact on their lineup.

Ultimately, the departure of Shohei Ohtani would undoubtedly leave a void in the Angels’ lineup. However, with careful evaluation of internal options and a strategic approach to external acquisitions, the team can strive to mitigate the impact of his potential departure and continue their pursuit of success in the forthcoming season.

1) Angels trade target to replace Shohei Ohtani at DH: Eloy Jimenez

The Chicago White Sox currently find themselves in a challenging position. Despite entering the 2023 season with aspirations of contending for a playoff spot, they struggled early on and ultimately became significant sellers at the trade deadline. One of the teams they collaborated with during this period was the Los Angeles Angels, particularly in the Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez trade. Now, there are speculations that the Angels could potentially engage in another deal involving Eloy Jimenez.

The White Sox face a crucial decision regarding the direction of their team. While it would be prudent for them to embark on a complete rebuild, they have thus far refrained from trading away their top players such as Dylan Cease, Luis Robert Jr., and Eloy Jimenez. However, Jimenez’s name has surfaced in trade discussions, with teams like the Miami Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers reportedly expressing interest in him during the deadline. If Chicago is willing to part ways with him, the Angels should undoubtedly be proactive in reaching out.

Jimenez possesses undeniable talent. While he may not excel defensively, his value lies primarily in his offensive abilities, making him an ideal fit as a designated hitter. When healthy, his bat has proven to be formidable. In the most recent season, Jimenez appeared in 120 games and posted a slash line of .272/.317/.441 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI.

Injuries have plagued Jimenez throughout his career, but transitioning him to a predominantly DH role could potentially help him stay on the field more consistently. He has demonstrated the ability to hit as many as 31 home runs in a season and has achieved an impressive .891 OPS at his peak. Moreover, considering his current contract, which includes a salary of $13 million for the upcoming season and club options for the subsequent two seasons valued at $16.5 million each, acquiring Jimenez would present the Angels with a cost-effective opportunity to secure a player of his caliber, with significant untapped potential.

In summary, the Chicago White Sox’s struggles have brought them to a crossroads, and they must make important decisions regarding the future of their team. While it would be prudent for them to consider a complete rebuild, the possibility of trading Eloy Jimenez has emerged. Given Jimenez’s undeniable talent and offensive prowess, his acquisition would greatly benefit the Los Angeles Angels, especially if deployed primarily as a designated hitter. Despite injury concerns, his potential impact and favorable contract make him an enticing target for the Angels as they seek to bolster their roster.

2) Angels free agent target to replace Shohei Ohtani at DH: J.D. Martinez

If Shohei Ohtani decides to leave in free agency, one viable option for the Los Angeles Angels to consider is pursuing J.D. Martinez, the second-best designated hitter available on the market. Martinez re-established himself as a premier offensive player this past season and would seamlessly fit into the heart of any lineup.

Despite being hindered by back issues in 2022, Martinez had an impressive resurgence in the most recent season, slashing .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs and 113 RBI in just 113 games. Although he had a couple of stints on the injured list, his performance when healthy was nothing short of stellar.

Martinez’s age, having just turned 36, and his limited fielding capabilities may slightly diminish his value in free agency. While he will undoubtedly command a significant contract, the duration and average annual value may be more limited. If the Angels can secure Martinez for a year or perhaps two, allowing him to bat in the heart of their lineup, it could prove to be a favorable move. In the worst-case scenario, if the team does not perform as expected, they could potentially trade Martinez at the deadline in exchange for assets that contribute to their future success.

The absence of Ohtani would create a void in the Angels’ lineup, making it crucial to add another impactful bat. Even with Ohtani, the team’s offensive production was only average. Without him and without any additional reinforcements, their offensive output could suffer significantly. In this context, Martinez stands out as the best available hitter, excluding Ohtani, in a relatively weak free agency class.

To summarize, if Shohei Ohtani departs, pursuing J.D. Martinez as a replacement is a viable option for the Los Angeles Angels. Martinez’s impressive offensive numbers, coupled with his potential value in a limited fielding role, make him an appealing candidate to bolster the team’s lineup. Adding Martinez would be essential to mitigate the potential decline in offensive production and ensure the team remains competitive in the absence of Ohtani.

3) Angels internal option to replace Shohei Ohtani: Luis Rengifo

If Shohei Ohtani departs and the Los Angeles Angels shift their focus towards bolstering their pitching staff this offseason, they will face a void in the designated hitter (DH) role. In this scenario, players like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon would likely see increased playing time at DH, with the hope that it would contribute to their overall health and well-being.

However, I believe that Luis Rengifo could be the player who steps in to replace Ohtani’s spot in the lineup. Rengifo finished the past season on a strong note and showcased his potential in an everyday role. During the second half of the season, he emerged as one of the standout performers for the Angels, providing a rare bright spot during an otherwise challenging August before his season was cut short due to injury.

While Rengifo currently lacks a clearly defined everyday role, he possesses versatility that allows him to contribute at multiple positions. He has the ability to play three of the four infield spots, although those positions are currently occupied by Anthony Rendon, Zack Neto, and Brandon Drury. He can also play in the outfield, but the team already has Taylor Ward, Mike Trout, and Mickey Moniak covering those positions, with Jo Adell also vying for playing time.

As of now, Rengifo is projected to serve as a replacement for Anthony Rendon at third base, receiving spot starts in other positions whenever possible. However, if Ohtani were to leave the team, it would create an opportunity for Rengifo to assume a more prominent role. In such a scenario, he would likely spend more time in the field, while Rendon could see increased at-bats as the primary DH, with the aim of preserving his availability and minimizing injury concerns.

To summarize, if Shohei Ohtani departs and the Angels prioritize addressing their pitching needs, there will be a vacancy at the designated hitter position. I believe that Luis Rengifo has the potential to step in and fill that role. While he currently lacks a defined everyday position, his versatility and recent strong performance make him a promising candidate. In the absence of Ohtani, Rengifo could see increased playing time in the field, while Anthony Rendon takes on a larger share of at-bats as the DH, in an effort to maintain his presence in the lineup and mitigate injury risks.