Look, the Los Angeles Angels are basically a science experiment right now. If you glance at the angels baseball depth chart for the 2026 season, you might see names that look familiar, but the context has shifted so much it’s almost unrecognizable. Perry Minasian is gambling on a "youth-meets-reclamation" project that is either going to be a stroke of genius or a total disaster. There is no middle ground here.
We’ve all spent years watching Mike Trout carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, only for his body to eventually protest. But 2026 is different. The roster isn't just "Trout and some guys" anymore. It's a weird, fascinating mix of high-ceiling prospects who were rushed to the bigs and veteran arms looking for one last payday or a career reboot.
Honestly, the biggest shocker isn't even the lineup. It’s the rotation. For the first time in what feels like a decade, the Angels actually have a starting five that doesn't feel like a collection of "if only" stories—though there are still plenty of "ifs" to go around.
The Infield: A Speed-Demon Core
Zach Neto is the captain now. Whether he officially has the 'C' on his jersey or not doesn't matter. Coming off a massive 5.1 bWAR season, he just inked a $4.15 million deal to avoid arbitration, and quite frankly, that’s a bargain. He’s the heart of this team. He’s 25, he’s fast, and he’s finally healthy after that shoulder surgery scare.
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Next to him, the second base situation is where things get spicy. Christian Moore, the former first-round pick, is being handed the keys. The Angels don't believe in "seasoning" players in the minors for long; they want Moore’s bat in the lineup immediately.
Then you’ve got Nolan Schanuel at first. He’s a walking OBP machine, but the power? It’s still a question mark. People keep waiting for him to start launching balls into the trout farm, but he’s more of a "get on base and let the big boys drive me in" kind of player.
- First Base: Nolan Schanuel
- Second Base: Christian Moore
- Shortstop: Zach Neto
- Third Base: Vaughn Grissom / Denzer Guzman (The battle is real here)
Wait, Vaughn Grissom? Yeah. The trade for him—sending Isaiah Jackson to Boston—was a classic Minasian move. He’s trying to catch lightning in a bottle with a guy who was once a top-100 prospect but lost his way. If Grissom can't hold the hot corner, keep an eye on Denzer Guzman. The kid is just 21, but the hype is growing.
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The Outfield and the "Trout Dilemma"
Here is the truth: Mike Trout isn't the everyday center fielder anymore. He can't be. The Angels finally realized that if they want 130 games out of him, they need to keep him in right field or at DH. He’s been taking reps in center during the offseason—Minasian says he's "motivated"—but the reality is that Bryce Teodosio or even Jo Adell will likely see more innings in the middle.
Speaking of Jo Adell, can we talk about the power? The man finally looks like the player everyone expected him to be five years ago. He’s basically the Angels' version of Kyle Schwarber at this point. High strikeouts, sure, but when he connects, the ball stays hit.
Logan O’Hoppe is behind the plate, but he’s coming off a brutal 2025 where his numbers basically cratered. He’s only 25, though. The team brought in veteran presence by making Kurt Suzuki the manager and Max Stassi the catching coach. It’s a "support system" approach to get O'Hoppe's head back in the game.
The Pitching Rotation: No More No-Names
This is where the angels baseball depth chart actually gets impressive. Look at these names:
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- Yusei Kikuchi: The veteran lefty is the projected Opening Day starter. He’s reliable, which is a luxury this team hasn't had.
- Grayson Rodriguez: This was the heist of the offseason. Trading Taylor Ward to the Orioles for G-Rod? Absolute madness, but the kind of madness fans love. If his elbow holds up, he’s a legitimate ace.
- Jose Soriano: He’s got the triple-digit heat. He’s nasty. He just needs to stay out of the trainer’s room.
- Reid Detmers: After a stint in the bullpen to find his confidence, he’s back in the rotation. Mike Maddux is working with him to refine that curveball.
- Alek Manoah: The ultimate wild card. Signed to a one-year "prove it" deal. If he’s Toronto-era Manoah, this rotation is top-10. If not, Caden Dana is waiting in Triple-A.
The Bullpen: "The Firemen"
Ben Joyce is the name everyone knows because he throws 104 mph. But Robert Stephenson and Kirby Yates are the guys who will actually be closing out games. Yates signed a one-year deal and, despite being 38, he’s still got that splitter that makes hitters look foolish.
The depth here is better than usual. Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz are in the mix on one-year deals too. It’s a very "short-term fix" bullpen, but if it buys time for guys like Tyler Bremner or George Klassen to develop, it’s a win.
Why This Could Actually Work
Most people are sleeping on the Angels because of the "same old Halos" narrative. But the 2026 depth chart shows a pivot. They aren't signing 10-year deals for aging superstars anymore (goodbye, Anthony Rendon—who finally retired this winter). They are trading for controllable young arms and forcing their draft picks to sink or swim.
The risk is obvious. If Trout gets hurt and Neto regresses, this team is a 70-win squad. But if Grayson Rodriguez is healthy and Christian Moore is the real deal? They’re a problem for the AL West.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Third Base Battle: Spring training will decide if Vaughn Grissom starts or if the Angels pivot to a Moore/Guzman combo.
- Monitor Grayson Rodriguez's Velocity: His health is the single biggest factor in the Angels making the playoffs.
- Trout's Position: Pay attention to how often he actually starts in the outfield versus DH; it's the best indicator of his long-term health for the season.
- Prospect Watch: Keep an eye on Caden Dana. He’s essentially the "sixth starter" and will be the first man up if Manoah struggles.