Fanmail Friday #12 - Managers, Call-Ups, and What’s Next
September 12, 2025 - Written by Alex Sukyas
Photo Credit : @MLBTradeRumors - X
Hello! I’m Alex, and welcome to another edition of Fanmail Friday, a series where fans can interact with members of the Inside Halos team and get their Angels-related questions answered! The end of the season is approaching, and there is a lot to talk about regarding this coming offseason. So, let’s dive right in!
Q: Favorite candidate for manager next year? (@bgb_1996)
A: This was by far this week’s most asked question. After all, Washington’s future with the Halos is currently in doubt after he had to end his season early to undergo Bypass Heart Surgery, and his contract will be ending after this season. So, who are the best options? Well, I would not be opposed to bringing back Wash for a 3rd season, as he helped this Angels team do better this season after 2024’s disappointing 63-99 record. Other names such as former Angels, Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter have also been tossed around heavily in Angels’ coaching rumors. Out of those guys, Pujols would be my choice, as he is already managing in the Dominican Professional Baseball League and will manage the DR in the World Baseball Classic. As for Hunter, he already does work with the Angels (So does Pujols) in smaller coaching roles. But, there is another person who I would love to see managing the Angels. Darin Erstad, a former Halo who spent 11 years with the team, who also has managing experience. Erstad coached the Nebraska Cornhuskers college baseball team for 8 years (2011-2019), and in that time, he won Big 10 Coach of the Year and had a .590 win percentage.
Q: Should we call up Nelson Rada and see what he can do in the show? (@qqhost)
A: While I do see the arguments for yes, such as the Angels looking highly unlikely to make the playoffs, I don’t think we should. Rada is still only 20 and has plenty of time left to develop. He’s already looking great in Triple A, batting .320 with a whopping .435 OBP. We also know he can steal really well, as he already has 17 stolen bases in 32 Triple-A games. However, I don’t think he’s quite ready for the major league level yet, and nor do the Halos need him, playoff contention or not. I believe the best option for him is to have him end this season in Triple A and have him earn his spot in Spring Training next season, which I fully think he is capable of doing.
Q: Bryce Teodosio and the CF position, what to do? (@uchieslover)
A: The exact question was about how, although Teodosio is great, we need a CF who can hit for more power. This question relates heavily to the previous question about Nelson Rada, as Rada could end up being in contention for an OF spot next season. However, I completely agree with the opinion that we should go out and get a CF this offseason. This upcoming free agent class includes CF names such as Cedric Mullins, Trent Grisham, and potentially Harrison Bader. My personal pick would be Grisham, who is batting .242 with 30 home runs this season. Of course, there is also the possibility that we trade for a Center Fielder, in which the player we receive could be anyone.
Q: Resign Moncada or let him walk? (@jeffy_hz)
A: This highly depends on whether players like Alex Bregman and Max Muncy end up joining this free agency market, and if they are willing to sign with us. If not, I don’t see why we would let Moncada walk. He has been solid on defense at third base and is batting .243 with 12 HRs and 34 RBIs in 73 games.
Q: Who’s the number one player you want on the Angels? (@danielvillalba278)
A: Well, I have 3 free agents that I would be thrilled to see on the Angels in 2026. The first player is RHP Tyler Mahle. Mahle has had an impressive season, boasting a 2.34 ERA accompanied by a 1.130 WHIP in 77 IP. He also has a 6-3 record in 14 starts. I think he would be a great addition that would fill the SP2 or SP3 slot. The second player I would like to see is another starter in LHP Ranger Suarez. Suarez has a 2.77 ERA in 23 starts with the Phillies. He’s also struck out 130 batters in 143 IP, resulting in an 8.8 K/9 rate. The third player I would like to see on the Halos is the previously mentioned Trent Grisham. With his batting stats, I believe he could be a solid CF for the Halos, and would also allow us to have Jo Adell stay in RF full-time and keep Mike Trout in DH, where he is very unlikely to get injured.
Q: Is Mike Trout going to play in the outfield again? (@ohnakah)
A: Well, it really depends on what happens in the offseason. If the Angels get another outfielder, Trout may get moved to DH permanently, as it would be the best thing for his health. I did actually dive into Mike Trout’s future in an article last month, so if you want a deep dive into this answer, feel free to read it!
Q: Will Arte Moreno sell the team this offseason? (@cory.estrella.756)
A: Short Answer: likely not. Long answer: There have been a few reports, such as one by Sports Illustrated 3 weeks ago, Moreno has given no recent indication that he plans to sell. However, factors such as the Skaggs case and recent audits may lead Moreno to sell the team, although I don’t see it happening anytime soon.
Q: Opinion on Troy Percival potentially coming in to coach pitching? (@z0hk)
A: I would love to see Percival coming back to the Angels orginization, but, if Percival were to join the team as a coach, it would be a huge leap for him as he is currently coaching in the Pioneer league with the Chukars. Sure, Percial also does have college coaching experience with UC Riverside, but I still don’t think he would be quite ready for a role in the Majors just yet, although in the future I would be happy to see him back in Anaheim.
Q: Will Rendon ever play for this team again? (@parker.kuo)
A: Well, with Rendon its hard to tell, after all his stint with the Angels has been nothing short of chaotic. In mid August, an Angels Insider did say they expect Rendon to be stay with the team in 2026, although it is equally as likely he gets DFA’d or somehow dealt. (Sports Illustrated) I personally think he ends up getting DFA’d this offseason and the Halos end up eating the remainder of his contract, which on paper may be a smart move. But the hope is that Rendon proves people wrong, plays next season, and plays well. Or at least decent.
Thats all for this edition of Fanmail Friday. If you have a question you want to ask me and the rest of the Inside Halos team, feel free to submit it on Instagram, join the discord server, or read other articles on our website!
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.
