The Angels’ Lineup in the Wake of Kazuma Okamoto’s Departure

With the recent reported agreement between Kazuma Okamoto and the Toronto Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Angels have once again missed out on a key free agent this offseason. Throughout the off-season, there were whispers that Okamoto was considering the Angels as his potential new home. However, with the deal now finalized, it’s time to take a closer look at how the Angels would shape up their lineup if Opening Day were just around the corner.

Key Positions and Players

SS: Zach Neto

Leading off the lineup is Zach Neto, who has proven himself to be the best all-around player for the Angels. His combination of power, contact, and speed makes him an ideal leadoff hitter. As the team’s catalyst, giving Neto as many at-bats as possible is crucial, and this decision likely came early in the managerial strategy.

LF: Jo Adell

A bold move would be placing Jo Adell second in the batting order for 2026. His performance in 2025 closely mirrored that of Mike Trout, and having Trout behind him could force pitchers to stay in the strike zone. Adell had a breakout season in 2025, and this shift could be the key to his first All-Star appearance.

RF: Mike Trout

Despite his recent struggles, Mike Trout remains one of the elite bats in baseball. A leg injury affected his power in 2025, but with full health and back in right field, he aims to chase both the playoffs and his 500th home run. His plate discipline will fit well in the third spot, and the hope is that he can maintain his health throughout the season.

DH: Jorge Soler

Despite being overpaid, Jorge Soler is expected to be the starting designated hitter in 2026. He had a poor season in 2025 and might be traded as part of a salary maneuver. For now, he’ll hit cleanup, hoping for a resurgence in the coming season.

C: Logan O’Hoppe

Logan O’Hoppe regressed both offensively and defensively in 2025, but there’s still hope he can reclaim his status as one of the top young catchers in baseball. With a new coaching staff and continued support from the organization, O’Hoppe could fill the void left by the Taylor Ward trade.

1B: Nolan Schanuel

Nolan Schanuel continues to be a solid hitter, showing above-average performance in 2025. His ability to command the strike zone and avoid strikeouts makes him a valuable asset at first base. If he can add more power to his swing, he could have a breakout season in 2026.

2B: Christian Moore

Christian Moore currently holds the position at second base, despite the possibility of upgrading this offseason. He showed flashes of potential in 2025 but struggled with consistency. With more development, Moore could become the long-term double play partner alongside Neto.

3B: Kyren Paris

Kyren Paris had a strong start to 2025, ranking among the top ten players in baseball. However, he struggled later in the season. If he can find a balance at the plate, he could be a significant addition to the lineup. His defensive versatility allows him to play multiple positions, making him a valuable asset.

CF: Nelson Rada

While Bryce Teodosio may be more MLB-ready, the Angels might choose to go with Nelson Rada in center field. His defensive skills are comparable to Teodosio’s, and his offensive performance in the minors has been impressive. After a strong finish in Triple-A, Rada is expected to earn a spot in Spring Training and potentially outperform Teodosio by Opening Day.

By examining these positions, the Angels have a solid foundation to build upon, even after missing out on Okamoto. The focus now shifts to developing consistency and depth across the roster.