Will Angels commerce Shohei Ohtani? 5 Angels storylines to look at
Angels catcher Max Stassi, left, talks to beginning pitcher Shohei Ohtani earlier than a sport on Aug. 15, 2022.
(Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
Catcher Max Stassi turned the brand new veteran of the place group when Kurt Suzuki determined to retire on the finish of final season. Stassi obtained nearly all of reps at catcher final 12 months, having signed a three-year, $17.5-million extension the earlier spring.
His lack of manufacturing as Ohtani’s major battery mate — in Ohtani’s greatest season thus far on the mound added a wrinkle to final season. Stassi had a .571 on-base-plus-slugging price, a dip from his .752 OPS in 2021.
Minasian has reiterated by way of the offseason that he’s on the lookout for methods to enhance his roster, so buying a catcher is feasible. The Angels reportedly had curiosity in former Yankee catcher Gary Sánchez, who spent final 12 months with the Twins.
The Angels have inner choices so as to add as a backup or platoon catcher. Logan O’Hoppe, ranked the No. 5 greatest catching prospect in baseball, and Matt Thaiss, who had no main league catching expertise previous to final season are getting many of the consideration. Catcher Chad Wallach, whom the Angels introduced again on a minor league deal, may also be trying to break camp with the massive league group.