The Los Angeles Angels are heading into the 2025–26 offseason with a clear goal in mind: to add more offensive firepower to a lineup that struggled with balance and consistency last season. However, their quest for improvement is complicated by the scarcity of quality, affordable left-handed hitters available on the market.
During the 2025 campaign, the Angels had one of the most right-handed-heavy lineups in Major League Baseball, ranking second in total right-on-right plate appearances. This imbalance contributed to their elevated strikeout rate and overall offensive inconsistency.
Among all their hitters, rookie first baseman Nolan Schanuel was the only player who provided steady production from the left side of the plate. His emergence was a bright spot, but he alone wasn’t enough to offset the lineup’s heavy right-handed lean.
General Manager Perry Minasian, aware of this deficiency, has expressed a desire to add more left-handed bats. However, he’s also realistic about the team’s limitations and priorities. Speaking at MLB’s annual General Managers Meetings, Minasian emphasized flexibility over rigidity in his approach to roster construction.
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“Is that the No. 1 pressing need? Is that ‘A’ on the checklist of things to do? No,” Minasian said. “But it is something we’ve talked about a ton. We want to be a more balanced offense.”
The challenge is that the market for impactful left-handed hitters is thin—and expensive. The three premier free agent bats this winter—designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and outfielders Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger—all swing from the left side.
Unfortunately for the Angels, each of those players will command contracts far beyond what the team appears willing or able to spend.
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Once those top-tier names are off the table, the options become less enticing. The next most notable left-handed hitter available is center fielder Trent Grisham, a player who would check several boxes for the Angels. Not only is Grisham a left-handed hitter, but he’s also an above-average defender in center field, a position of need for Los Angeles.
However, even Grisham might be too costly. The New York Yankees extended him a Qualifying Offer, meaning the Angels would have to forfeit a draft pick if they signed him—an additional burden for an organization trying to rebuild its farm system.
Beyond Grisham, the market consists mostly of role players or underperforming hitters. Two names that fit the Angels’ positional needs are outfielder Cedric Mullins and infielder Adam Frazier.
Both are left-handed hitters with defensive versatility, but their offensive numbers dipped below league average in 2025. Mullins, once a breakout star with Baltimore, has seen his power and on-base ability decline, while Frazier profiles more as a utility infielder than a lineup anchor.
A trade might be another avenue for the Angels to explore. St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Gorman is reportedly available, but his offensive production in 2025 was also underwhelming. The Cardinals could offer a more appealing trade target in Brendan Donovan, a versatile left-handed hitter who brings excellent plate discipline and contact skills. However, Donovan’s primary position is second base, and the Angels are hesitant to block the development of their young infielder Christian Moore, who is projected to be a key part of their infield future.
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Given these complications, Minasian remains open-minded. He’s not ruling out adding another right-handed hitter if the player’s overall skill set outweighs the lack of left-handed balance.
“You’re not just going to take a left-handed hitter because he’s left-handed, if you don’t believe they can hit,” Minasian said. “That’s the catch, right? It’s not just left-handed. It’s who’s left-handed and productive.”
He added that the team’s focus remains on finding quality hitters, regardless of handedness. “There are some really attractive right-handed hitters that I’d love to have, that are just good hitters,” he said. “I don’t necessarily think anyone cares if they’re right-handed or left-handed. So does it have to be left-handed? No. Apples to apples, of course, you choose left hand over right-handed.”
While the Angels continue to navigate the complexities of the market, they’ve also been busy finalizing their 2026 coaching staff. The organization recently announced three new additions, including a familiar face: former Angels catcher Max Stassi, who will return to the club as the team’s new catching coach.
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Stassi’s hiring marks a full-circle moment for the veteran backstop. He last played in the majors with the Angels in 2022, forming a tandem with then-catcher Kurt Suzuki—who is now the Angels’ manager. Stassi spent the past three years either rehabbing from injuries or mentoring younger players in the minors. His 2023 season was particularly difficult, as he missed the year due to a combination of a hip injury and the serious health complications faced by his prematurely born son.
Minasian spoke highly of Stassi’s leadership qualities and understanding of the game. “Obviously, he played here,” Minasian said. “He understands. He’s got a great relationship with the manager. They were really tight when they played together. And he’s a worker. He loves the game, he studies the game, the technical side of catching. He’s very talented—whether it’s receiving, throwing, blocking—he takes a lot of pride in that. He’s somebody we feel can come in and impact our catchers in a really positive way.”
Joining Stassi on the major league staff are Keith Johnson and Andy Schatzley, two longtime Angels minor league managers who will be making their debuts on a big-league coaching staff. Johnson, who has spent 18 years with the organization, will serve as the team’s third base coach after managing Triple-A Salt Lake for the past three seasons. Schatzley, who managed Double-A Rocket City, will take on the role of infield coach.
These promotions reflect Minasian’s belief in maintaining continuity within the organization and rewarding internal development. “They have some relationships, not only with the players, but with Kurt too,” Minasian explained. “Kurt’s been with us the last three years. He’s been in our minor leagues, spring training. He’s had the ability to create relationships with those guys. I think it’s one of those things where you just hit the ground running.”
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With these hires, Suzuki’s coaching staff now includes six confirmed members: bench coach John Gibbons, pitching coach Mike Maddux, first base and outfield coach Adam Eaton, catching coach Max Stassi, third base coach Keith Johnson, and infield coach Andy Schatzley. The Angels still plan to add at least two more pitching coaches—one of whom will serve as bullpen coach—and a pair of hitting coaches. The next priority hire is expected to be the team’s lead hitting coach, a crucial role given the club’s offensive focus this offseason.
Amid all these front-office and coaching changes, the Angels’ player development system continues to show encouraging signs. One of the organization’s most promising young players, outfielder Raudi Rodriguez, has been turning heads in the Arizona Fall League. Rodriguez was recently named MVP of the AFL All-Star Game after an impressive performance, continuing a breakout stretch in which he’s hit .433 with a 1.164 OPS.
A 19th-round draft pick in 2023, Rodriguez has already exceeded expectations. In his first full professional season with Class-A Inland Empire, he batted .281 with an .842 OPS, displaying a mix of power and patience at the plate. Minasian praised Rodriguez’s growth and potential, highlighting his physical improvements and dedication.
“The combination of makeup and strength gains have allowed him to really improve and take off this year,” Minasian said. “He’s one of many guys we’re really excited about. He may not get the pub that some of these other young players have from other teams, but we’re really excited about him.”
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In short, the Angels enter this offseason with both challenges and optimism. On one hand, their need for a balanced lineup is clear, yet the market offers few ideal solutions. On the other, the organization has made meaningful progress in assembling a cohesive coaching staff and developing young talent that could help shape the team’s future.
Whether or not the Angels can find that elusive left-handed difference-maker remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Minasian and his staff are committed to building a more complete, competitive team for 2026—through smart additions, internal promotions, and a continued investment in player development.
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