Angels Predicted to Land Three-Time Batting Champion in Free Agency
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have long struggled to remain relevant on the field, even with top talents like Mike Trout and formerly Shohei Ohtani. This offseason, they may finally have a chance to make a meaningful addition.
According to a recent MLB.com survey of 46 writers, three-time batting champion Luis Arraez, now a free agent after his stint with the San Diego Padres, is most often predicted to join the Angels.
“The contact-oriented, strikeout-averse Arraez is an unorthodox player in modern baseball, and the lack of consensus about his next destination perhaps reflects that,” MLB.com notes.
The outlet added that several teams expressed interest in Arraez, but the Angels stood out as the only franchise to receive more than seven votes. His versatility at first base, second base, or designated hitter could benefit the Angels, who led the league in strikeouts last season.
Arraez remains a classic hitter in an era of power-focused players, and while the terms of his next contract are unclear, his skillset makes him an appealing target for Los Angeles.
Author’s summary:
The Angels are emerging as frontrunners to sign Luis Arraez, a consistent hitter whose contact skills could help reduce the team’s strikeout struggles.