When Arte Moreno bought the Los Angeles Angels in 2003, there was motive for optimism. The crew had simply received its first World Collection in 2002 beneath former proprietor Disney, and Moreno promised to maintain the franchise aggressive whereas embracing a fan-friendly method.
However over the twenty years since, Moreno’s possession has taken a pointy downturn — marked by poor selections, entrance workplace instability and missed alternatives.
Unhealthy contracts
Most lately, Anthony Rendon was awarded a seven-year, $245M deal in 2019. Since signing, Rendon has spent extra time on the injured listing than on the sphere and has been a supply of frustration for each followers and media.
Relatively than construct balanced, versatile rosters, Moreno has typically pursued stars previous their primes — whereas failing to deal with the crew’s most obtrusive wants, significantly pitching.
He is the Jerry Jones of baseball with out the championships
Not like some house owners who empower their baseball operations departments, Moreno has lengthy been recognized for direct involvement in participant selections — typically to the detriment of the crew. A number of studies through the years recommend that common managers had been overruled on key trades or free-agent pursuits. As an example, it’s extensively believed that Moreno personally pushed for the Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton offers, regardless of inner warnings.
In 2023, when the Angels had the chance to commerce Shohei Ohtani on the deadline for a probably historic return of prospects, Moreno blocked the transfer. He insisted on making a playoff push — one which fell flat inside weeks. Ohtani walked for nothing after the season, leaving the Angels with neither wins nor compensation.
Maybe probably the most damning a part of Moreno’s tenure is how the franchise has dealt with two of probably the most gifted gamers in trendy baseball historical past: Mike Trout and Ohtani.
Trout, a generational expertise and a mannequin famous person, has performed simply three postseason video games — all losses. Regardless of signing a long-term extension to stick with Los Angeles, he’s spent most of his profession surrounded by underwhelming groups and paper-thin rosters.
Moreno’s time as proprietor of the Angels started with daring guarantees and passionate fan engagement. However through the years, these guarantees changed into cussed selections, outdated considering and missed alternatives. The franchise is now caught in mediocrity — with a barren farm system, bloated contracts and no clear route ahead.
