It hasn't been a banner year for the Los Angeles Angels. The 2023 season has been one of the most disappointing in recent memory, as the team extended its record for the longest playoff drought in Major League Baseball history. The Angels have now clinched their ninth consecutive losing season and, for the first time since 1999, are set to finish last in their division.
As the season winds down, an unfortunate franchise record looms ominously over the team. With 95 losses, they have tied the dismal seasons of 1968 and 1980. Just one more loss will set a new low for the franchise.
The struggles have come during the inaugural year of Ron Washington as the manager of the Angels. This season, however, has seen its fair share of challenges beyond just managerial decisions. Star player Mike Trout logged only 29 games, while third baseman Anthony Rendon managed just 57 appearances. Their absences have had a noticeable impact on the team's performance.
Mounting Losses and Milestones
In a season full of ups and downs, nothing encapsulates the Angels' plight better than their record across the months. The team posted a winning record in July and entered August with a 47-61 tally, offering a glimmer of hope to their fans. However, that glimmer was quickly extinguished as the team managed a dismal 16-34 record in August and September.
Washington, in assessing the team's performance, made some candid remarks that echoed the frustrations felt by many within the organization and its fanbase. "We're going to get some baseball players who may not be superstars, but they know how to play," Washington said. "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."
A Need for Growth
While his comments were direct, Washington later clarified his remarks, noting the potential for growth within the organization. "I misspoke," he admitted. "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."
The sentiment underscores a broader theme for the Angels. Several of their most promising players, including Logan O'Hoppe, Nolan Schanuel, Zach Neto, and Jo Adell, are all 25 years old or younger. Washington emphasized the importance of these players maturing into their roles. "It's players that have to grow into big-league players," he reiterated.
Looking Ahead
As the Angels approach the conclusion of a season mired in disappointment, the focus is beginning to shift toward what the future holds. The potential within their young talent pool offers a glimmer of optimism, but turning that potential into performance will be the challenge.
The Angels' management will undoubtedly face difficult decisions in the upcoming offseason. With the weight of an extended playoff drought and a franchise-record loss looming large, the need for strategic roster decisions and developmental growth has never been more critical. Washington's first year at the helm may not have brought the success many hoped for, but his honest assessment of the team's needs could be the first step toward meaningful change.
For now, Angels fans must endure the frustration of another lost season while holding on to the hope that their young talent will mature and lead the team to brighter days ahead.