Bohm and O'Hearn inject fresh power into the Angels' projected 2026 lineup, aiming to reignite careers and fill critical gaps.
The Los Angeles Angels have Kurt Suzuki as the new manager. However, it's a one-year deal for the former catcher as questions swirl about the future of the franchise after the 2026 season.
Still, the Angels are trying to get back to the postseason after a decade-plus skid.
Will the Angels spend money in free agency to bring in some new faces? Although it wasn't a signing, they traded outfielder Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitcher Grayson Rodriguez.
Unfortunately, the lack of a medical for Rodriguez had some scratching their heads at the trade, although it could work out if he recovers well from his injury.
There are a lot of questions to answer regarding the lineup, on the other hand, which makes for an interesting case study.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicted the starting lineup for every team in baseball, and here is the prediction for the Angels.
SS Zach Neto
1B Nolan Schanuel
DH Mike Trout
CF Jo Adell
RF Jorge Soler
C Logan O'Hoppe
LF Ryan O'Hearn
3B Alec Bohm
2B Christian Moore
Here's what Reuter wrote about his prediction:
"The Angels kicked off what could be a busy offseason of retooling by trading Taylor Ward to the Orioles in exchange for Grayson Rodriguez, and they could be active in targeting second-tier free agent options."
The new faces, Ryan O'Hearn and Alec Bohm, would add pop to the bottom of the order, although Bohm needs to turn his career around after some struggles.
"There are clear holes to fill in the outfield and at third base, and they could be a perfect landing spot for Alec Bohm to try to jump-start his career if the Phillies decide to move him. Shortstop Zach Neto could also be a candidate for an early extension this winter as he is due a healthy raise to a projected $4.1 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility," Reuter wrote.
O'Hearn had a stellar year with the Orioles before being traded to the San Diego Padres, and the Padres once again figure to be involved in trying to get O'Hearn back in the fold.
But, in this scenario, he hops on the I-5 and drives to Anaheim to be an everyday starter for the Angels, although as an outfielder.