The 2023 season has been one to forget for the Los Angeles Angels. Extending the longest playoff drought in Major League Baseball history, the Angels have endured another string of disappointments, clinching their ninth consecutive losing season. This marks a new low for the franchise, as it prepares to finish last in the division for the first time since 1999.
The team's current tally of 95 losses ties the dismal season records set in 1968 and 1980. With just one more loss, the Angels will set an unfortunate franchise record. In an inaugural managerial year that he will likely want to forget, Ron Washington stepped up to lead the Angels through this tumultuous period.
Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the Angels this year. Mike Trout managed only 29 games for the season, while third baseman Anthony Rendon appeared in just 57 games. These absences heavily impacted the team’s performance on the field, contributing to their dismal August and September record of 16-34, just as things seemed to show a glimpse of promise back in July. Entering August on a relatively hopeful note with a 47-61 tally, the downward spiral was swift and brutal.
Manager's Remarks
During his inaugural season as manager, Ron Washington did not shy away from discussing the challenges faced. Initially stirred controversy with his candid remarks on the players at his disposal, he stated, "We're going to get some baseball players who may not be superstars, but they know how to play. We forgot to bring real baseball players into the organization. Nothing against those guys here, but they're not big-league baseball players and they certainly can't help us win a championship."
However, Washington soon sought to clarify his comments, trying to emphasize the importance of player development: "I misspoke. I didn't mean it the way it came out, where I'm saying the organization isn't giving me big-league players. It's players that have to grow into big-league players."
Youth Movement
Despite the overall disappointing season, the Angels have seen glimpses of potential in their younger players. Promising talents such as Logan O'Hoppe, Nolan Schanuel, Zach Neto, and Jo Adell are all 25 or younger. These young players represent a potential future core around which the team can build—if they can develop the skills necessary to succeed at the big-league level.
Washington highlighted the importance of growth and development for these young stars, repeating, "It's players that have to grow into big-league players." The focus now shifts to how the organization can foster the growth of these players to ensure they evolve into the caliber necessary to end the Angels’ prolonged playoff drought.
Looking Forward
As the Angels look ahead to the offseason, the franchise faces important decisions. The team needs to replace aging and injured veterans and bolster their roster with players who can make an immediate impact. With the managerial guidance of Ron Washington and a few strategic acquisitions, there is hope that the current crop of young talent can be the foundation for the Angels turning their fortunes around.
Washington’s first year at the helm may have been filled with challenges and moments of raw honesty, but it's clear he has set expectations high. Balancing the development of younger players with the immediate need for competitive results will be crucial.
The road ahead won't be easy for the Angels, but with a clear-eyed focus on development and smart, calculated acquisitions, there's hope for better days. As the team wraps up a forgettable 2023 season, they do so with a unified vision of growth and development for a more successful future.