Injuries Cast Shadow Over Angels’ Future: Can Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon Bounce Back for 2024?

Both Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon finished the season on the injured list in what’s unfortunately been a familiar story for the Halos over the past few years. The duo are among the highest-paid players in the entire sport, and Halos GM Perry Minasian mentioned their collective health as key factors for the team’s success in 2024.

Key Takeaways:

• Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon’s injuries have plagued the Angels in recent years, posing a significant challenge for the team.
• Shohei Ohtani faced the burden of carrying the team without his star teammates, but he too succumbed to injuries during the 2023 season.
• The Angels face a pivotal offseason as they seek to secure their star players’ health for a successful 2024 campaign.

In a season riddled with injuries, the Los Angeles Angels found themselves grappling with a familiar predicament. Star outfielder Mike Trout and third baseman Anthony Rendon both landed on the injured list, raising questions about their ability to stay healthy and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming year.

Trout and Rendon’s ailments struck during a fateful July series against the Padres, just as the team was beginning to see the potential of having superstar help alongside the phenom Shohei Ohtani. Unfortunately, their injuries – Trout’s broken hamate bone and Rendon’s bone bruise that turned into a fractured leg – effectively sidelined them for the remainder of the regular season.

“There’s no secret here; we need Mike Trout and we need Anthony Rendon,” Minasian said. “We need those guys to play more. They know that. It’s something that we’ve talked about. They’re going to go in the offseason and they’re going to do everything they can in their power to be ready to go next year. They understand what they mean to this club, and how productive they can be on and off the field.

via Jeff Fletcher, OC Register

The absence of these high-profile players left Ohtani shouldering the responsibility of propelling the lackluster Angels roster towards postseason contention. His remarkable dual threat as both a hitter and a pitcher had kept the team afloat, but even Ohtani was not immune to the injury bug. Fatigue gave way to a significant elbow injury, prematurely ending his 2023 campaign on the mound.

Despite these setbacks, Ohtani continued to excel at the plate, further cementing his MVP candidacy. However, an oblique injury ultimately halted his exceptional season with over 20 games remaining, leaving the Angels without their star trio.

As the offseason unfolds, the uncertainty surrounding Ohtani’s future with the Angels casts a shadow over the team’s prospects for 2024. With Ohtani’s free agency status up in the air, the health and availability of Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon take on added significance. The Angels must prioritize their recovery and return to form to mount a competitive campaign next year and beyond.