The Angels recently traded for outfielder Josh Lowe in a three-team deal that sent reliever Brock Burke to Cincinnati. General manager Perry Minasian held a Zoom call to discuss the trade, sharing that Lowe might compete for the center field position.
Minasian pointed out Lowe’s potential, despite some inconsistency due to injuries over the past seasons. “He’s a player we believe can play all three outfield spots,” he told reporters, highlighting Lowe’s left-handed bat as a valuable addition to an otherwise right-heavy lineup.
Currently, the Angels have a projected outfield of Mike Trout, Jorge Soler, Jo Adell, and Bryce Teodosio, all right-handed hitters. With the trade of Taylor Ward and the waiver claim of Wade Meckler, they’re looking for a balance.
Lowe’s experience is mostly as a right fielder. He had limited action in center last year, just seven innings in total. While he is known for his speed and length, his defensive metrics haven’t been great. Statcast has rated his first step as lacking, scoring him slightly below average defensively in right field the last two seasons. This track record raises concerns about his ability to transition to center field regularly.
Jo Adell was the primary center fielder for the Angels last season but struggled defensively. Teodosio has shown promise but has a low batting average, while Meckler hasn’t played in the big leagues for two years. While Trout could step back into center field, the team prefers to keep him in the corners to maintain his health.
The Angels might consider other options like Cody Bellinger for a long-term fit, though the focus appears to be on Lowe as the best candidate at the moment, at least until 20-year-old prospect Nelson Rada is ready. Rada impressed in the minors last season and could join the team by 2026. Scout reports praise his speed and defense, though his power is still developing.
Lowe aims to bounce back from a tough season where he hit just .220 with 435 plate appearances. Two years ago, he demonstrated his potential, posting a .292 average along with 20 home runs and 32 steals. Injuries have plagued him lately, particularly oblique issues, but there’s hope he can find his earlier form again.
In summary, as the Angels look to fill their center field spot, Lowe stands out, offering a blend of skills that could rejuvenate the team—if he can stay healthy and regain his previous performance levels.
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