The Angels’ Third Base Dilemma

Third base has long been a weak spot in the Angels’ lineup. Over the years, the team has struggled to find a consistent and reliable player for this position. Last season, they took a low-cost gamble on Yoan Moncada, a former top prospect, and cycled through several players at third base while Moncada dealt with injuries. As the off-season approached, adding a quality third baseman became an obvious priority for the Angels.

One of the most intriguing names linked to the Angels was Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto. He had shown consistent offensive production over 11 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and was only 29 years old. With a career batting line of .277/.361/.521 across nearly 4,500 plate appearances, Okamoto would have been a valuable addition to the Angels’ lineup. However, this morning, it was announced that Okamoto chose to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays instead, agreeing to a four-year, $60 million contract. This deal is slightly less than what some outlets had predicted he would receive, possibly indicating that he valued the opportunity to compete for a World Series more than the financial offer.

Now, the question remains: who will play third base for the Angels in 2026?

With Okamoto now out of the picture, along with other potential targets like Munetaka Murikami and Song Sung-Mun, the obvious free agent options are no longer available. This leaves the Angels searching for alternative solutions.

Potential Candidates for Third Base

Nolan Arenado

One name that has been mentioned is Nolan Arenado, a native of Orange County. Known as one of the best defenders to ever play third base, Arenado will be 35 years old in April. However, his performance at the plate has declined over the past three seasons, and he is now considered a below-average hitter. He is owed $42 million over the next two years, which could make him a costly acquisition. While the Angels might consider a move involving Arenado, it would likely involve the Cardinals reducing his contract, making it a typical Angels-style move. Despite his name value, Arenado’s on-field contributions may not match his reputation.

Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suárez is another option, though he is considered a longshot. At 33 years old, he may no longer be a daily starter, but his power-hitting ability could add significant value to the Angels’ lineup. Team Arte has a history of signing high-impact sluggers, and Suárez is currently the most powerful bat available at third base.

Yoan Moncada

If the Angels prefer to go the low-cost route, Yoan Moncada could be brought back for a reunion. When healthy, Moncada has shown good power numbers, performing 16% better than league average per OPS+. His defensive skills at third base were lacking last season, but he has generally been passable throughout his career.

Alec Bohm

Alec Bohm is another possibility. A solid player, Bohm may be without a home in Philadelphia. If the Phillies add another player to their already strong lineup, they could consider trading Bohm as a rental. He is set to make just over $10 million in his final season of club control, making him a cost-effective option. However, this scenario is speculative, and Bohm is the least likely choice on this list.

Alternative Options

Other possibilities include acquiring a utility-type player who can fill in at third base. Willi Castro, 28 years old, is capable of playing all around the diamond and typically produces league-average offense. Luis Rengifo, a free agent coming off a tough season, could also be a cheap option.

Conclusion

Regardless of how the Angels fill the third base position, it seems likely to be a temporary arrangement. The lack of clear long-term solutions in the free agent or trade market means the team may have to rely on short-term fixes. How they address this critical position will play a significant role in determining the team’s success in 2026.