ANAHEIM — Arte Moreno, the owner of the Angels, expressed his frustration regarding the team’s 99-loss season in 2024. However, he feels optimistic about the organization’s trajectory, citing the growth of a promising young core.
In a phone interview with MLB.com on Wednesday, Moreno outlined the organization’s ambition to contend for a postseason spot by 2025 while focusing on establishing a sustainable winning team.
“The reality is that we need to field a competitive team,” Moreno stated, noting that the payroll will see an increase from 2024. “We have a number of young talents and more depth than we’ve had in the past. Furthermore, we expect even greater depth in 2026. As we consider 2025, our strategy involves balancing competitiveness in that year while also setting ourselves up for 2026 to ensure we are deeper.”
Moreno lamented the fact that while four postseason games took place on Wednesday, the Angels have not made the playoffs since 2014, marking the longest active drought in the Major Leagues. He believed the team was playoff-bound in 2023 and made strategic acquisitions at the Trade Deadline, but those plans fell apart that August. However, they had to approach the 2024 season with financial realism.
Moreno reasoned that the contracts of Mike Trout, who is under a $37.1 million annual deal through 2030, and Anthony Rendon, signed through 2026 at $38.5 million, made it impractical to retain Shohei Ohtani. He mentioned that numerous trade offers for Ohtani emerged before and during the 2023 season, yet the team aimed to vie for the postseason. At the time of the 2023 Trade Deadline, the Angels held a 56-51 record and were in the thick of the Wild Card chase, but they faltered down the stretch, finishing 73-89.
Last offseason, the Angels reduced their payroll, with reliever Robert Stephenson being the biggest acquisition at three years and $33 million. Moreno noted that while they had made an offer to power hitter J.D. Martinez, he ultimately signed a one-year contract with the Mets.
To position themselves for a playoff push, the Angels need their two star players to regain their health. Over the last four seasons, Rendon has appeared in only 205 games and has a .666 OPS with 13 home runs during that span.
Trout has faced similar challenges, playing just 29 games last year and 82 the year prior. Nevertheless, when he is on the field, he has exhibited All-Star caliber performance, holding an .867 OPS in 126 plate appearances in 2024. Moreno stated that they will collaborate with Trout this offseason to devise a plan for maintaining his health.
“We don’t need Mike Trout to be the MVP. We simply need him on the field,” Moreno remarked. “Regardless of whether he’s DHing or playing in left field, his presence in the lineup significantly enhances the performance of those around him, and he has the ability to change the outcome of a game with a single swing.”
Moreno emphasized the need to focus on the future, building a team around the emerging talent they have cultivated, such as shortstop Zach Neto, catcher Logan O’Hoppe, first baseman Nolan Schanuel, and right-handers Jose Soriano, Jack Kochanowicz, and Ben Joyce.
Right-handed pitcher Caden Dana, the No. 1 prospect, made his major league debut last year, while second baseman Christian Moore, ranked No. 2, could become a regular next season despite being drafted this year as the No. 8 overall pick. Both players rank among the top 100 prospects in baseball according to MLB Pipeline.
“We’re gaining valuable experience for our young players,” Moreno said. “They often mention that we have one of the weakest minor league systems, but when you examine our active roster, it’s filled with homegrown talent. Although they are youthful, we expedite their advancement.”
The current strategy involves bolstering the roster through free agency and trades this offseason, targeting improvements in the infield, outfield, and pitching rotation. The Royals serve as a model for the Angels, as they rebounded from 106 losses in 2023 to secure a playoff position in 2024 by making astute free-agent signings and trades to complement their youthful base without stretching their budget for a superstar.
Moreno, 78, stated he is not contemplating a sale after having explored the possibility in 2022. He also indicated there are no updates regarding a potential stadium deal after the last proposal collapsed in 2022 amid a federal investigation involving former Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu. He emphasized his commitment to Anaheim.
Furthermore, he commended general manager Perry Minasian, who received a two-year extension in August, along with manager Ron Washington. Moreno maintains regular communication with both and has faith in their strategy and processes to develop young talents into successful players.
“I want our young players to be surrounded by individuals who are eager to win and compete. That’s crucial,” Moreno affirmed. “However, we must also invest adequately to keep our fans engaged and help them understand our objectives. Our efforts are genuine.”
Angels’ Arte Moreno Optimistic Despite 99-Loss Season, Eyes Competitive Future Built on Young Talent
Overview of the Angels’ Recent Performance
The Los Angeles Angels have faced a challenging season, finishing with a disappointing 99-loss record. Despite this setback, team owner Arte Moreno remains optimistic about the future. His vision for the Angels centers on developing young talent and creating a competitive roster that can contend in the coming years.
Arte Moreno’s Leadership and Vision
Arte Moreno, who has been at the helm of the Angels franchise since 2003, is known for his passionate approach to ownership. Moreno has often emphasized the importance of not only fielding a competitive team but also fostering a winning culture within the organization. He believes that with the right strategies in place, the Angels can rebound from this difficult season.
Commitment to Youth Development
One of Moreno’s key strategies involves a strong focus on youth development. The Angels have invested significantly in their farm system, seeking to identify and nurture young prospects who can contribute to the major league roster.
- **Draft Strategy:** Emphasizing high school and college talents.
- **International Scouting:** Expanding efforts in Latin America and Asia.
- **Player Development Programs:** Enhancing training facilities and coaching staff.
Key Young Talents in the Angels’ Pipeline
The Angels’ farm system boasts several promising players who are poised to make an impact in the near future. Here are some key prospects to watch:
| Player | Position | Projected MLB Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Grayson Rodriguez | Pitcher | 2024 |
| Zach Neto | Shortstop | 2024 |
| Sam Bachman | Pitcher | 2025 |
| Logan O’Hoppe | Catcher | 2024 |
Moreno’s Strategy for Building a Competitive Team
Arte Moreno’s optimism is grounded in a well-defined strategy aimed at revitalizing the Angels’ roster. Here are the main components of his plan:
1. Invest in Pitching
Having a strong pitching staff is vital for any successful baseball team. The Angels will focus on acquiring both promising young pitchers and experienced veterans through trades and free agency.
2. Strengthen the Infield
With a solid core of infielders, the Angels aim to enhance their defensive capabilities. Moreno’s team is actively scouting for versatile infielders who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
3. Leverage Analytics
To stay competitive, the Angels are adopting advanced analytics to inform player decisions and game strategies. This approach will help the coaching staff optimize lineups and improve player performance.
Benefits of Focusing on Young Talent
Focusing on young talent provides several advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Young players typically command lower salaries compared to seasoned veterans, allowing for more financial flexibility.
- Long-Term Success: Developing players from within can lead to sustained success, as they grow and mature alongside the franchise.
- Fan Engagement: Young, homegrown players often resonate more with fans, fostering a sense of community and loyalty.
Case Studies of Successful Rebuilds
Several MLB teams have successfully rebuilt their rosters through a focus on youth. Here are a few examples:
1. Houston Astros
The Astros experienced a significant turnaround by emphasizing the draft and player development. After several losing seasons, they built a championship-caliber team that has been a playoff contender for years.
2. Atlanta Braves
Through smart drafting and trades, the Braves developed a young core that produced immediate results, culminating in a World Series title in 2021.
First-Hand Experience: Arte Moreno’s Optimism in Action
Arte Moreno’s unwavering belief in the potential of his young players is evident in his daily interactions with the team. He frequently attends minor league games, engaging with prospects and providing encouragement. This hands-on leadership style fosters a positive environment, motivating both players and staff alike.
Community Support and Engagement
Moreno understands that the success of the Angels also depends on the support from their fan base. The organization is committed to engaging with the community through various initiatives:
- **Youth Baseball Clinics:** Offering training and resources to young athletes.
- **Community Outreach Programs:** Partnering with local organizations to give back to the community.
- **Fan Events:** Hosting meet-and-greet sessions with players to build relationships with supporters.
Looking Ahead: The Angels’ Roadmap to Success
Arte Moreno’s optimistic outlook, combined with a strategic focus on youth development, positions the Angels for potential resurgence in the upcoming seasons. By investing in young talent and creating a supportive organizational culture, the Angels aim to transform their fortunes and become contenders once more.
Key Takeaways
- Arte Moreno remains committed to building a competitive team despite recent struggles.
- The focus on developing young talent is central to the Angels’ strategy for success.
- Community engagement and support play a crucial role in the team’s future prospects.
With Moreno’s leadership and a clear roadmap, the Angels are poised to turn the page on a challenging season and look forward to a brighter, more competitive future.
