The saga surrounding Kazuma Okamoto has come to a close, as he is reportedly set to join the Toronto Blue Jays. This development marks yet another offseason where the Angels have not secured significant talent, despite their continued interest in Okamoto throughout the winter months. Many believed that the Angels were his top choice for a destination. However, while there are still notable free agents available who could potentially join the Angels—along with a persistent trade target—the time is ripe to analyze how the Angels might construct their lineup if Opening Day were to occur tomorrow.
So, how would the Angels lineup look if tomorrow was Opening Day?
Shortstop Zach Neto
Kicking off the lineup will be Zach Neto, who stands out as the most well-rounded player on the Angels roster. His unique blend of power, batting contact, and speed makes him an ideal leadoff hitter. Neto serves as the spark plug for this team, and it’s likely that Kurt Suzuki, upon his hiring, recognized the necessity of maximizing Neto's at-bats throughout the season.
Left Fielder Jo Adell
This might be a controversial opinion, but I believe Jo Adell deserves the second spot in the batting order for 2026. In 2025, his performance was nearly on par with that of Mike Trout, and placing him directly behind Trout will provide him with the protection needed to force pitchers to throw strikes. After a breakout year in 2025, this strategic move could propel Adell into his first All-Star appearance in 2026.
Right Fielder Mike Trout
It feels almost unthinkable to have Mike Trout batting this low in the order, but following his 2025 season, it is evident he remains a formidable hitter. Despite struggling with a leg injury that impacted his power in 2025, if he can return to full health and play right field in 2026, he will be on a mission for the playoffs and aims to hit his 500th home run. Trout’s patient approach at the plate makes him a perfect fit for the third position, and the hope is that he can avoid injuries this season.
Designated Hitter Jorge Soler
Jorge Soler, despite being considered overpaid, is likely to hold the designated hitter role in 2026. Coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, there is a chance he may be traded for salary relief. Nonetheless, as things currently stand, he will be the cleanup hitter, aiming for a resurgence in performance for the Angels this upcoming season.
Catcher Logan O’Hoppe
After facing challenges both offensively and defensively in 2025, there is optimism surrounding Logan O'Hoppe's ability to reclaim his status as one of the premier young catchers in baseball. His 2025 campaign began with All-Star potential, but he struggled significantly during the summer. With a new coaching staff in place and the Angels clearly invested in his future as their starting catcher, O'Hoppe could help offset some of the production lost in the trade of Taylor Ward.
First Baseman Nolan Schanuel
Nolan Schanuel demonstrated himself to be a solid hitter in 2035. While he may not possess traditional power, he excels at first base. Schanuel's elite contact skills allow him to rarely strike out, keeping innings alive more often than not. He is highly skilled at managing the strike zone, and if he can add just a bit more power to his swing, he could be in for a breakout 2026 season.
Second Baseman Christian Moore
The second base position is one where the Angels might consider an upgrade this offseason, but for now, Christian Moore is expected to take the reins. He showed flashes of promise in 2025 but also dealt with typical rookie struggles at the plate, often swinging and missing. If Moore can find greater consistency, he may become a long-term partner for Neto on the double play.
Third Baseman Kyren Paris
Kyren Paris had a remarkable start to 2025, ranking among the top ten players in baseball for the first month, only to plunge dramatically afterward. If he can find a healthy balance in his performance at the plate, he would be a valuable asset to the lineup. He is currently participating in winter leagues to hone his skills at third base, leveraging his athleticism to be versatile defensively across the diamond. The key will be finding a consistent rhythm at the plate as he adjusts to major league pitching.
Center Fielder Nelson Rada
While Bryce Teodosio may seem like the safer, more MLB-ready option, the Angels might choose to take a risk and let Nelson Rada step up as the center fielder. His defensive capabilities are comparable to Teodosio's, and his offensive track record throughout the minor leagues has been impressive. Following a strong finish in Triple-A at the end of 2025, Rada is likely to receive an invitation to Spring Training. Unless the Angels secure a free agent signing, it’s hard to envision any scenario where Rada doesn’t outperform Teodosio to claim the starting role by Opening Day.
