What Is Nolan Schanuel’s Future With The Angels?
December 6, 2025 - Written by Zac Holladay
Nolan Schanuel in 2025:
— SleeperAngels (@SleeperAngels) October 9, 2025
▫️.264 AVG
▫️.742 OPS
▫️12 HR
▫️53 RBI
▫️132 GP
Schanuel is a top __ 1B in the league? pic.twitter.com/2ti30yG3PE
In June of 2023, the Angels selected 1st baseman Nolan Schanuel with the 11th pick in the MLB Draft. Standing at 6 '2, 220lbs, Schanuel was expected to be a good and promising piece in the Angels farm system. Nolan had a great college career with Florida Atlantic University, posting 19 home runs, a .615 on base percentage and a whopping .447 batting average in 59 games. He wasn’t up there with the other high drafted picks when it comes to hype due to the team calling him up for his Major League debut less than 2 months later. This was a huge shock to everyone but Angels fans as this move was just another early call-up for them.
Ever since his call-up on August 18th, he made an instant impact on the team, getting on base any way he could. His game is very different from most 1st basemen in today' s day and age. His approach at the plate includes a very good distinction of balls and strikes as his ability to walk is among one of the best in baseball. The main title that Schanuel holds is that he is strictly a good ballplayer, but is his talent worth keeping around long term?
Although Schanuel has only played 2 full seasons, the performance that he has put together within those years has built up the conclusion that he is a very average player. His numbers have been at about mid-range with his tenure with the Angels. His career batting average sits at .259 with him hitting about 15 homers and driving in about 55 runs a year.
Again, these are only within 2 years, but he hasn’t shown any signs of improving any of his skills. He is a great guy to have around the clubhouse and can flash signs of all tools at times. But is he worth maintaining for the long haul? Schanuel has power and has shown that he can hit for average, but he hasn’t completely shown his full potential… or has he?
Assuming that this is the full talent and expectation from Nolan Schanuel, this is not a bat, or even a first basemen, that should be on a team looking to contend. At this moment, the Angels are not in a position to contend, but if they are truly craving to make the big splash and run for a playoff spot, they should consider replacing Nolan and seek a more productive 1st baseman. Keeping him on the team would mean that you would beef up other positions that are available for revamping, like 3rd base or left field. But there is always a chance for improvement as he is only 23 years old. He will most likely increase his production from either power or average, but it will most likely cost a decline in the other tool.
The first base position is a position that is mainly encapsulated by power. The market for first basemen is a flurry of power hitters and guys that drive in runs. Nolan’s main approach is getting on base with the power making an occasional appearance. And even with that in mind, his reputation of getting on base isn’t as incredible as one would think. His defense is above average and his baserunning goes unnoticed as better than most. But even with those tools, it is very hard to determine if he is the future of the Angels.
Signing or trading for a bigger name first basemen would be the only reason the Angels move on from Schanuel. That first baseman would have to be a big name because even though Schanuel is a middle-of-the-pack player, he does the little things very well and holds a special place in the heart of Angel fans already. He gets the job done with determination, has control for 4 years, and is dirt cheap.
With all of this in mind, it is very likely that Nolan is the Angels future first baseman even past his 6 years of service time with the team. He holds good defense at first base and can for sure increase his offensive numbers. Nolan is one of those guys that will attain his power numbers as he progresses through his career. The Angels probably aren’t worried much about Nolan right now and where he is in his career. There is always a possibility that he could be replaced by a bigger name, but right now is not the time due to the Angels having different positions to worry about at the moment. But if Schanuel continues to put up his average numbers and fails to improve his game, it is very likely the team could move on from him in the future.
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.
