Fanmail Friday #1: Opening Day Looms Closer
February 20, 2025 - Written by Kian Behravan
Alek Manoah compared his arm post-surgery to a RENTAL CAR, per @JeffFletcherOCR:
— SleeperAngels (@SleeperAngels) February 19, 2026
“There’s going to be some spiked sliders and some fastballs that sail, you’re just getting used to those brakes and those gas pedals and all that stuff.” pic.twitter.com/6gV7yxS97T
What’s up InsideHalos? I’m Kian Behravan, and I have the privilege of providing you with our first Fanmail Friday of 2026! Every week, one member of our team answers your questions that were submitted through our Instagram story. Whether it’s about the team, things going 0on off the field, or just something fun, we love to hear everything you have to say.
Q: @notcalebmedina: Soo is Alek Manoah our 5? kinda nervous about that?
A: Trust me, I’m nervous, too. After seeing him fall off how he did, it’ll take a lot of faith in Alek Manoah to trust he’ll get the job done. During this offseason, he’s focused on explosive movements to help with his conditioning. After his rehab assignment in 2025, he stated his arm felt like a “rental car” that needed getting used to. It’s safe to say he’s used to his arm now, as he’s been doing alright in bullpen sessions this spring. Also, if Manoah doesn’t pan out, Caden Dana will be next up, so there is a little cushion there if things don’t go as planned.
Q: @berickson.2: Season predictions?
A: A calm 75-win season. Zach Neto could make the All-Star team. Mike Trout has a nice year to show us that he’s still got it, I’d say a .250 / .365 / .490 slashline with some nice numbers in center field as well. Jose Soriano has a breakout season, and Jo Adell hits 30 homers again. Kirby Yates has a great year as a closer, maybe 30 saves with a sub-3 ERA to cap off a great career. Jordan Romano has a bounce-back year with a light 3.80 ERA. It won’t be a special season on the surface, but the inner workings of the team can show that there's fire for the future.
Q: @qqhost: Will Nelson Rada crack Opening Day roster at CF?
A: No, he will not. Mike Trout is moving back to center field, and, depending on how his spring goes, he’ll be the one there for the season. However, if something happens to Trout (knock on wood), I do see Rada taking that spot. According to MLB.com, he’s a non-roster invitee. It all depends on how others do during Spring Training, whether he gets the call to be with the team come Opening Day, or he spends time in the minors and is the next up if something happens to Trout or another outfielder.
Q: @a.nexaj: Be honest do you see a playoff run?
A: If I’m being brutally honest, I don’t see a playoff run until Trout’s contract is up. Unless we get lucky with crazy talent one year, the organization doesn’t have (or doesn’t want to spend) the money needed to build a playoff roster. If the team had gone through a real rebuild after 2019 instead of just letting them get worse, then there might have been a shot this year. However, we all know how our owner is, so that wasn’t the case.
Q: @angels_zee: Ryan Johnson
A: Minor Leauger.
That wraps up the first edition of Fainmail Fridays! Be sure to watch out for our Instagram stories @InsideHalos, follow our X account, and join the Discord! Also, “Who’s Hot, Who’s Not” will also make a comeback, written by me! Let’s have a great Spring Training and stay hyped for Opening Day!
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.
