The Los Angeles Angels’ 2023 season didn’t go precisely as expected. Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to secure a postseason spot despite coming within three games of a wild-card spot by the trade deadline.

To their credit, the front office actively changed the roster in an effort to qualify for the playoffs. The Angels exchanged seven minor league players for six major league veterans between June 24 and the deadline of July 31. The plan failed to materialize, despite its best efforts. From August 1st onward, no American League team had a worse record.

The Angels may be about to undergo a significant change after losing two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani to free agency at the end of the season. Perry Minasian, general manager, hasn’t expressed a desire to rebuild, even in the absence of Ohtani.

Mike Trout, the center fielder, is one of the team’s remaining reliable players. For the Halos, keeping their stars healthy is the only resolution for the new year.

Injuries have plagued Trout and Anthony Rendon, the third baseman, in recent years. Rendon has participated in 468 games out of 468 possible during the past three seasons. Only 237 games have Trout appeared in. More than any personnel element, that has damaged the Angels’ chances.

The Angels could be able to compete if both players can maintain their health.

Veterans’ injuries have given some of the younger players in the club opportunities. The club’s future core is represented by first baseman Nolan Schanuel, catcher Logan O’Hoppe, and shortstop Zach Neto, all of whom displayed promise in 2023. The Angels’ greatest hope for 2024 is a complete season with Neto, O’Hoppe, Schanuel, Trout, and Rendon.

The Halos have a capable manager in Ron Washington, who is prepared to alter the team’s culture. Despite their usually large payrolls and all-star roster, the Angels are no longer the favorites and will need to contend in 2024 as an underdog.

In a division that features the past two World Series champions, it might take more than one season to compete for a postseason spot. The Angels can hope to have a chance as long as their finest players are healthy enough to participate.