The Los Angeles Angels don’t seem to know for sure what they will look like in 2024 yet. Ron Washington, the new manager, is a successful coach, therefore it seems likely that the Halos will strive to make the playoffs. But letting Shohei Ohtani depart and not landing any big free agency or trade targets yet might put them in a situation where rebuilding is the wisest course of action.

Judging only from the words coming out of Washington and the Angels organization, Los Angeles is going to make an effort to win this season despite losing its two-way superstar to the rival L.A. Dodgers across town. Prioritizing 2024, Washington dismissed the notion that the Angels might be rebuilding.

According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Washington is not planning too far ahead, but he is certain that the Angels will deploy their finest product:

“This is not a place to rebuild,” Washington declared. “At this moment, the division is not on my mind. I’m thinking about getting ready for a certain season. I’m ready for anything that comes our way after we’ve dressed for the season. My athletes are prepared for every situation that may arise. In baseball, you need to have that mindset, and after that, you just have to take each day as it comes.

On paper, the Angels have a very strong roster. In addition to a few intriguing offensive components like Luis Rengifo, Taylor Ward, Mickey Moniak, and the injury-plagued Anthony Rendon, they still have Mike Trout, a perennial All-Star, in the starting rotation and bullpen.

The Angels’ issue is not a lack of quality, but rather the broad range of results that their talented players may achieve. The Angels might actually be in the running for the postseason if Trout and Rendon remain healthy, if Rengifo, Ward, and Moniak show that 2022 and 2023 weren’t anomalies, and if Reid Detmers and Patrick Sandoval resume their 2022 form rather than 2023.

But things hasn’t gone the Angels’ way in a very long time. Furthermore, it appears that Washington thinks he’s the best person to lead the Angels to success.

Zach Plesac is signed by Angels

Right-handed pitcher Zach Plesac reportedly reached a Major League agreement with the Angels. He was once a promising young player with impressive performances in 2020 and 2021. Since then, his production has declined, and in his final arbitration season, the Cleveland Guardians have parted ways with him.