Who’s Hot, Who’s Not #16 (7/18-27)
July 30, 2025 - Written by Kian Behravan & Brayden Zielke
Photo Credit: @Angels - X
Another week has passed, which means it’s time for Who’s Hot, Who’s Not! Each week, Brayden and I dive deep into the stats to determine who’s been doing well and who hasn’t. We then analyze metrics and film to figure out what’s been going on, how some players can keep doing well, or how others can turn things around.
Last week, the Angels went 4-6 in ten games (stats will date back to July 18, after the All Star Game). They sit in fourth place still, seemingly out of the Wild Card Race. However, an important series with the Rangers, followed with a must-sweep series against the White Sox. It seems like a tough task since they were just swept by a struggling Mets squad. If the Halos want back in the race, they must win both of these series.
Pitchers: Kian
The Angel’s pitching staff was mediocre to say the least, as they had an ERA below 4.50. They didn’t quite compensate for the lack of offensive production, which will be covered later, as they allowed close to five runs per game compared to the four runs scored per game. One thing that jumped out was the 19 homers given up, as they add on to their total, making them have the fourth-most home runs given up in the American League. Even with the on-par pitching performance from the team as a whole, there are still outliers on both sides.
Hot! Kenley Jansen
It’s difficult for a closer to make this list, especially an Angel’s closer, since they don’t pitch as often as middle relievers. Luckily, Kenley Jansen had three appearances last week, and did not allow a single baserunner, while striking out two hitters in three innings of work. What’s amazing, as well, is that he only threw four balls (26 pitches total). Jansen was aggressive in the zone, inducing contact and getting hitters out quickly, as he totaled just under nine pitches per inning.
There isn’t much to explain about Jansen’s recent performances, other than he’s effectively using the cutter to get ahead in counts. Even though he’s not missing bats, he’s missing barrels, as the average exit velocity on batted balls sat at just 78 MPH last week. The only instance bringing that number up is a 102.5 MPH flyout from J.T. Realmuto on a well placed cutter up in the zone that he just got his bat to. These recent performances could strike conversation if Jansen is on the trade block this close to the deadline, as the Angels should be looking to sell.
Not… Jose Fermin
Now, it only shows that Jose Fermin only pitched 2.2 innings, but he actually appeared in five games. In those 2.2 innings, he gave up five hits, nine runs (seven earned), walked five, and made for an ERA of 23.63.
Now, this statline brings the conversation of player development in the Angel’s minor league system, specifically for pitchers. The most notable example of failed player development for the Angels is Griffin Canning. In his tenure with the Angels, he posted a 4.78 ERA in 99 games. He only spent one year in the minors prior to his debut, posting a 3.65 ERA. It’s not bad, but it still shows there was room for improvement for the young arm. Soon after leaving the Angels, he joined the Mets, where he was in the midst of a long-overdue breakout season, which was unfortunately cut short due to injury.
The purpose of this segment right now is less about Jose Fermin’s stats last week, but more about what the Angels have done to these young pitchers in the minors, as well as the “quick call ups”: calling up starting pitching prospects to appear in long relief then sending them back down the next day (Prime example: Caden Dana). Something has to change, or the curse of Angel’s pitching will last forever.
Hitters: Brayden
The Angels were pretty lackluster this week, going 4-6 and averaging 4 runs scored per game. The lineup hit .245 with 12 home runs and an OPS of .727. The Angels walked 36 times and struck out 97 times, resulting in a meh week. It wasn’t great, but they weren’t absolutely terrible.
Hot! Logan O’Hoppe
Logan O’Hoppe has played less games than many of his teammates since the All Star Break, but his offensive impact when he has played has been tremendous. In 7 games, O’Hoppe hit .400 (10-25) with 1 home run but only 1 RBI. He also walked once, struck out only 4 times, and scored 4 runs. He has been extremely unlucky despite his offensive prowess this week. Driving in only 1 run despite getting 10 hits is quite unfortunate. O’Hoppe had a great week at the plate and it should be recognized.
Not… Jo Adell
Jo Adell hit only .154 (6-39) with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs. He only scored 2 times (on both home runs) and walked only twice as well. While this is a pretty bad week already, especially for a long WHWN week of 10 games, it’s even worse when you add up his strikeout total. Adell struck out 17 times in 10 games. This was a pretty rough week for a guy who is having his breakout season.
Last week was subpar for the Angels. With the trade deadline coming up, it’s exciting to see how they’ll proceed. Will the organization do the smart thing, considering their four percent chance to make the Postseason, and sell? Or will the team be buyers, trading away young players and breaking down the farm system yet again? See you next week on Who’s Hot, Who’s Not!
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