MLB Insider Ranks Angels Starting Catcher in Bottom Half of the League
Your Los Angeles Angels are less than one week away from their 2023 season opener. The team is set and will look for their first winning season since 2015 and their first playoff appearance since 2014.
A lot is at stake for the Halos; we'll learn much about them this season. Nonetheless, the Angels will look for some production outside of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, and one of those positions includes catcher.
In 2022, the primary catcher for the Halos was Max Stassi, who did solid. However, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report believes youngster Logan O'Hoppe will be the primary catcher and put him in the top 20 on his list among every team's starting catchers.
19. Logan O'Hoppe, Los Angeles Angels
The catcher position has been a revolving door for the Los Angeles Angels since Chris Iannetta departed following the 2015 season, and they took a major step toward stability when they shipped promising young outfielder Brandon Marsh to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for MLB-ready prospect Logan O'Hoppe. The 23-year-old was a 23rd-round pick in the 2018 draft, but he quickly outperformed his draft position to emerge as one of the top prospects in the Philadelphia system.He hit .283/.416/.544 with 14 doubles, 26 home runs, and 78 RBI in 104 games at Double-A last season before making his MLB debut as a September call-up. He has drawn rave reviews for his leadership and makeup and could be a dark horse in the AL Rookie of the Year race.
The young catcher made a good impression in his limited time in 2022. He had 14 ABs in five games and slashed .286/.375/.286 with a .661 OPS and 2 RBIs. By the looks of it, he'll be their catcher come Opening Day and has earned it due to his outstanding play in Spring Training.
If they can get some contribution outside of their two-star players and remain healthy, this Angels team could be the real deal. O'Hoppe will be looking at some real ABs and contribute any way he can for the Halos.
