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In 2002, the Los Angeles Angels shocked the baseball world, capturing their first-ever World Series title. It was a moment that seemed to signal a bright future for the franchise. However, since then the Angels have been stuck in a perpetual cycle of mediocrity despite boasting Mike Trout and previously, Shohei Ohtani, on the team. With the team’s last championship now over two decades ago, the once-enthusiastic fanbase is beginning to lose faith.
This offseason started with optimism. Fans hoped for vital moves, however, instead, the Angels have gone silent since November. Under Arte Moreno’s ownership, the Angels have failed to make the moves necessary to contend for a championship. As frustration mounts, an enhancing chorus of voices is calling for Moreno to sell the team. They think that just fresh management can reignite the Angels’ path to success.
The rollercoaster ride of the Los Angeles Angels offseason
The Los Angeles Angels entered the 2024 offseason with total uncertainty. After Shohei Ohtani’s departure, Reid Detmers stepped up. He guided the team to a 2-1 victory over the Red Sox as well as fans began to rally behind the team’s potential. One fan said, “No Shohei, no issue“. Another said, “The Angels look somewhat good so far, actually, a bit surprising”. It looked, like, the Angels could build on a positive momentum.
Can Arte sell the team? Its time. The #Angels haven't made a single major league move since Kikuchi in Nov. They had a great start to the offseason & just squandered it. It's time for new ownership, we aren't going anywhere under this owner. The day he sells, is when things will…
— InsideHalos (@InsideHalos) January 19, 2025
But, as the offseason went on, those hopes quickly started to unravel. Suddenly the front office failed to make any vital moves, leaving fans disillusioned. “The Angles will be trash” as well as “110 losses season coming” were some tough assumption surfacing online. So who is liable? It is Arte Moreno.
With the Angels posting a franchise-worst 63-99 record in 2024, all eyes have turned to his leadership. Despite early promises of reestablishing, Moreno has failed to provide effective outcome. As an outcome, social media was abuzz with calls for Moreno to sell the team. “Can Arte sell the team? It’s time“, tweeted one disgruntled fan. Adding to the discontent is Moreno’s recent interview, in which he projected playoff contention in 2025 but admitted he has no plans for long-period transformation.
Can the Angels fight effectively in 2025?
Now, the concern is not whether they will win or not. The concern is whether they are ready. The
Los Angeles Angels are totally optimistic with a focus on their young core. Vital signings like Jorge Soler, Scott Kingery, as well as Yusei Kikuchi aim to bolster the roster. However, concerns linger related to their effectiveness. Injuries remain a vital concern, with star shortstop Zach Neto sidelined for early 2025 after shoulder surgery. In addition, Manager Ron Washington highlighted that Logan O’Hoppe as well as Nolan Schanuel, have gained valuable experience.However, vital hurdles remain. For instance, veterans like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon face durability issues. While GM Perry Minasian remains focused on roster enhancement, he also acknowledged past inconsistencies between offseason success and regular-season performance.
The Los Angeles Angels offseason started with promise but, ended in frustration. It has reignited calls for Arte Moreno to sell the team. Fans think new leadership is the only way forward, however, it does not seem likely Moreno will step down anytime soon.
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