Can the Angels Make a Run? Midseason Review & Possible Playoff Outlook
June 30, 2025 - Written by Zac Holladay
Photo Credit : @Angels - X
The current state of the Los Angeles Angels is pretty high as the team has exceeded expectations through their first half of the season. The overall expectation for this ballclub was nowhere near positive as almost every major sports article ranked the Angels as below the top 25 teams in Major League Baseball. The only projected positive was directed towards the young stars in C Logan O’Hoppe, SS Zach Neto, and 1B Nolan Schanuel. Although most expectations were very harsh towards the Halos, they weren’t the worst of guesses as the Angels are a very unpredictable ballclub and haven’t shown any real chance of making the playoffs the previous decade. As of the exact halfway point of the season, this team has a legit chance to contend.
At the point of the 82nd game of the season, the official start of the second half of the season, the Angels sit at a record of 40-41, with only 2 games back of the third wild card spot. As previously explained, this is a much better 1st half than most baseball fans expected. While their record says “this team has a lot of work to do”, the Angels see this position as a major step to contending.
And, yes, this team has a lot of things to work on. But the biggest difference that this Angels team has shown than any other team in the past is proving you can have struggles within the roster and still succeed.
This team has exhibited the trait of “having each other’s back” a ton this season. They back up their pitching when they struggle and have fought to stay in games. Here are just a few statistics that show the Angels fight and resilience in games:
Of their 41 losses this season, 29 of them within 4 runs
17-8 in 1 run games
6-1 in extra inning games
T-2nd in MLB in comeback wins
And as for the pitching, there isn’t anything particularly special, but they get the job done. Each guy will have their spouts of success here and there, but their biggest trait is that they will give this team a chance to win more times than none.
So it is proven that the Angels have what it takes to win ball games. But can they stay healthy and consistent? Well, unlike past years, the Angels have proven to succeed even in the event of multiple slumps within the lineup/rotation/bullpen. For example, in June, in which the Angels have a 14-10 record so far, Jo Adell has carried the offense when their main boppers have struggled to produce, including the likes of Zach Neto, Mike Trout and Logan O’Hoppe. In the month of June, Jo Adell is hitting .274 with 11 homers, 18 RBIs, and an above average on-base percentage of .358. Without him, along with others, the Halos wouldn’t be contending for a wildcard spot.
In the end, it isn’t likely that the Angels make the playoffs. But everyone knows that baseball is a game of “hot and cold”, and that is a game that the Angels love playing. With all the odds against them, they have one of the best chances to go on a run to sneak into a playoff spot that they have had in years. And while that isn’t saying much, it is enough to get fans excited. With Ron Washington out as manager and no real consistent starting pitchers, among other variables, this team is not a team to compete in October. But we have seen crazier things happen. It also depends on where this team stands within the Wild Card standings at the All Star Break. It would be huge if the Halos picked up a starter that can be a stable presence within the rotation that can take over the spot of SP Jack Kochanowicz. His ERA is over 5 and has struggled with consistency the most out of anyone on this team. And while another bat would be helpful, a decent starter would work wonders for this ballclub.
All it takes is momentum, chemistry, and contribution. Winning isn’t going to take 3-4 guys throughout a 162 game season. Everyone has to play up to their potential, And there is no shortage of potential within this roster. Each guy has shown they can succeed. This is the time to display their potential. Defying all odds and succeeding isn’t a crazy idea with this team. They have the talent. But the only way they reach the postseason is if all the pieces come together within the next 3 months.
Disclaimer : (1) All photos are not owned by InsideHalos and have been given proper credit beneath each photo. (2) Links of players are property of MLB, MiLB, and Baseball Reference. (3) InsideHalos is a fan-made site not affiliated with Angels Baseball.
