On this week’s episode of Roundtable’s Los Angeles Angels podcast, Bob, Lucas and Peter open up the show with a brief recap of the 2025 team and what went wrong in Anaheim.
Lucas shares his thoughts on the puzzling contract and career of Anthony Rendon, as well as the ramifications of his large deal that hindered the Angels for years — now finally free from his financial burden after an unsettling stint with the Angels.
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Bob and Peter just can’t wrap their heads around Rendon’s comments over the years that alluded to the infielder’s seemingly disdain for playing Major League Baseball, especially after his successful few years with the Washington Nationals.
Peter notes that he believes the Angels will now be able to spend in free agency with Rendon’s contracts off the books, but only time will tell what the front office does with the new financial flexibility.
Examining some offseason moves, the trio discusses the hiring of Kurt Suzuki as LA’s newly acquired manager, and all three noted that it was a great move for the club. However, the problem in Anaheim remains the lineup, which needs to get some bigger bats.
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As for the current state of the Angels’ organization, Lucas brings up the upcoming talent in the club’s pipeline. Infielders Kyren Paris and Christian Moore are two bright spots who could be massive contributors in the near future.
Peter notes that he’s excited for Paris and Moore’s arrivals as everyday players in the majors, but acknowledges the frustrations of fan expectations that are unrealistic. Mentioning how it takes time for players to develop and spend time in the minors, and that he hopes the organization doesn’t rush their development in an effort to have some success in the present.
Wrapping up this week’s episode, the crew takes a quick dive into the handful of transactions in the offseason thus far.
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The Angels traded outfielder Taylor Ward for right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, signed righty Alek Manoah, traded for infielder Vaughn Grissom and signed left-hander Drew Pomeranz and righty Jordan Romano. Be sure to listen to the full podcast to hear what our trio had to say about those moves, and if it was a step in the right direction for the organization or more of a lateral move.
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