"Interested to see Luis Rengifo at No. 3 behind Mike Trout" – Angels insider envisions key role for injured star in 2025 after Anthony Rendon letdown
On Monday, Los Angeles Angels insiders Mike and Jon Frisch discussed the much-anticipated return of superstar Mike Trout in the 2025 season and his role for the team. The pair also discussed how Trout's presence could help Luis Rengifo further improve his performance.
Rengifo was the Angels' batter with the best average for the 2024 season, finishing at .300. Mike Trout was not too shabby with the bat either. So a top order with Trout followed by Rengifo could be a recipe for success.
Also, Anthony Rendon is either struggling for production or out of action due to injury for much of the past season. So the Angels need someone they can rely on to perform at a high-level day in and day out.
On Monday's episode of 'Locked On Angels', the Frisch brothers talked about their expectations from Rengifo going into next season.
"He had a really good season, one of his best, if not the best season of his career. Batted .300, with a .763 OPS. He's a switch hitter, so I love having him all over the lineup. [If I were to decide how to utilise him in the lineup]I would have him bounce all over. The bottom line is, this guy is gold in 2025, a healthy Rengifo is a great benefit to the Halos," Mike Frisch said. [15:58]
"He's proven to be adaptable, no matter where he's hitting in the lineup. If he can continue to be a .300 average hitter, I would be interested to see him in that no.3 spot with like a behind Mike Trout, and see what kinda damage these halos can do in 2025," Jon Frisch added. [24:30].
Mike Trout open to potential position change as he returns from injury in 2025 season
After starting the 2024 season strongly, Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout injured his meniscus in April. After undergoing surgery and beginning rehab, Trout was handed another setback in August. His hopes of returning to action at any point in the 2024 season were dashed due to another tear in his meniscus.
Trout's absence came as a big blow for the Angels. The team will ensure its most influential player is fit and firing come 2025. Trout recently spoke about his return to action.
"Ultimately, my goal is to be in that batter's box, in the field, every single day. Whether that's moving to a corner or DHing more, that's something that I'll leave it up to the front office to come up with a plan. Where I'm at and what's happened the last few years, I'm definitely going to try to explore every option that can keep me out there," he said.
Fans will hope Trout has an injury-free campaign in 2025 and guides a young Angels side to challenge for a playoff position. The last time they made it to the MLB playoffs was in 2014.