How does '24 season reflect Angels' future?

This story was excerpted from Rhett Bollinger’s Angels Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ANAHEIM -- It was a trying year for the Angels, who set the franchise record for losses in a season with 99 on the year. But manager Ron Washington remains bullish about the club’s future after breaking in several youngsters in their first full season.

The Angels fielded a young roster led by shortstop Zach Neto, catcher Logan O’Hoppe and first baseman Nolan Schanuel while several promising pitchers showed flashes of their potential such as José Soriano, Jack Kochanowicz and closer Ben Joyce. But the Angels dealt with many key injuries to veterans such as Mike Trout (torn meniscus in left knee), Anthony Rendon (left oblique strain), Brandon Drury (left hamstring tightness), Patrick Sandoval (Tommy John surgery) and Luis Rengifo (right wrist inflammation).

Washington, though, said the Angels will learn from what they experienced in 2024, even if they had to take their lumps along the way to a last-place finish.

“I've had a ball watching these kids grow,” Washington said. “Three of my young kids, they posted every single day. So that's growth right there. And I knew when I got here we were going to deal with some growth. But I didn't expect to lose all my top players. But it hasn’t affected my drive, my passion, because I've watched some good things happen.”

Defining moment:
Unfortunately, it was when Trout announced on April 30 that he had torn his meniscus in his left knee in a game against the Red Sox. And it happened just 10 days after Rendon suffered a high-grade left hamstring strain while trying to beat out a single at first base. Trout -- a three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star -- was expected back in four to eight weeks, but ultimately played in just one rehab game with Triple-A Salt Lake before reinjuring himself and undergoing a second season-ending surgery.

What we learned:
The Angels finally have a young core they can build around instead of being a club that relies mostly on veterans -- often on one-year deals. They’ll need to heavily add to that mix via free agency or trade this offseason if they want to compete in 2025, but there are some building blocks -- including plenty of young arms. Top prospects such as right-hander Caden Dana (No. 1), lefty Samuel Aldegheri (No. 8) and Kochanowicz got their first taste of the Majors, while other pitching prospects such as George Klassen (No. 3) and Ryan Johnson (No. 5) also could be ready soon. Second baseman Christian Moore, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 Draft, also had an incredible start to his Minor League career, and he will compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Best development:
Several Angels position players got a full year under their belt such as outfielders Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak as well as Neto, Schanuel, O’Hoppe. Neto, 23, was the best of the bunch and looks the part of a franchise cornerstone. His offense continually improved throughout the season and he’s blossomed into a strong defender at shortstop. Neto joined the 20/20 club this season and has the potential to develop into an All-Star.

Area for improvement:
The Angels struggled in several areas in 2024, and the offense especially scuffled. They’ll need to address their depth during the offseason as Drury is a free agent and Rendon and Trout have struggled to stay on the field in recent years. They could use another infielder and another outfielder, and it would make sense to add at least one veteran starting pitcher to their inexperienced group. Lefty Tyler Anderson will be back next year, but Griffin Canning struggled a bit this season. Left-handed pitcher Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery in late June, so it's a little early to tell when he'll make his return. The bullpen is less of a concern, but the Angels could use some help all over.

On the rise:
Joyce, whose fastball reached a high of 105.5 mph, had a breakout rookie season in relief, including being elevated to closer when Carlos Estévez was moved to the Phillies at the Trade Deadline. He added a sinker to his arsenal, which made him essentially unhittable over his final 28 outings. After giving up a combined five runs in his first three appearances before incorporating the sinker, he went on to post a 0.83 ERA in 32 2/3 innings the rest of the way to finish with a 2.08 ERA in 34 2/3 frames. He’ll need to stay healthy, but he looks like an elite closer going forward.

Team MVP:
Neto led the team in games played and Wins Above Replacement, which gives him the edge over Anderson, who was the club’s lone All-Star this season. But Anderson had an up-and-down second half, while Neto only got stronger as the season went along.