Mike Trout Wins MVP, Playoff Drought Snaps & More Bold Predictions for the Angels' 2023 Season
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The day has finally come folks. Even though it was a lot of fun watching our Angels dominate the Cactus League competition yet again, I believe I speak for everybody when I say that opening pitch tonight cannot come fast enough.
We've been covering a ton of predictions for the season that other insiders and analysts have made and we also love seeing how you guys have reacted to them. However, it is now time that we hop on the train.
Here's some of our bold predictions for the Los Angeles Angels in the 2023 season.
1. Mike Trout will play 150 games... and win MVP
Can you believe that the last time we had the pleasure of watching Mike Trout suit up for the Halos in 150 games or more was 2016? He had himself quite the year as he poured in 123 runs, 116 walks, and posted a .441 on-base percentage, all good for the best in the league.
Even though it's been on the better half of a decade since then, Trout has had numerous injury-riddled seasons and has yet to see postseason action since his fourth year in the MLB. He will have to be available if he wants to change that and he's also fighting to give Shohei Ohtani a reason to stay with the team. Therefore, I believe he'll ensure that he can play as much as possible and capture his fourth MVP trophy in the process.
2. The Angels will reach the playoffs
(Via Noah Camras)
My bold prediction on the Angels is that they’re making the postseason this year for the first time since 2014. Mike Trout will get his first taste of postseason baseball in nine years, and Shohei Ohtani will get his first taste of postseason baseball ever. The Angels will make a wild card spot, and even bolder: They’ll win the Wild Card round.
There is not a more important time for them to put everything together and show the front office, the city, and their stars that this group is capable of competing with the best teams in the MLB.
3. Mickey Moniak Wins Comeback Player of the Year
I could very well end up regretting this one but I believe the potential that was in this former number-one overall pick can still be unlocked. If the Angels get off to a slow start, he could be called up from the minor leagues and I think he'll finally make his presence felt.
In 18 games with the Angels in Spring Training, he slashed .409/.435/.750 and posted three home runs and eleven RBI's. LA wants to see him get more reps in but his role would be poised to take that next step if he were to get added back to the big league roster.
