The Los Angeles Angels are entering July with a markedly different look on the mound. Following a decade of pitching instability, the franchise is trying a new blend: high-profile signings, returning All-Stars, and a roster of emerging talents.
While blockbuster deals for elite starters never materialized, the club’s front office has committed serious resources to a rotation that struggled in 2024. The result is a mix of proven veterans, evolving prospects, and lingering questions about health and performance.
This article unpacks each component of the Angels’ new rotation, examining the moves, measuring progress, and highlighting what to watch as the club attempts to move beyond recent disappointment. Every decision, from contracts to depth chart shifts, signals the latest stage in the team’s ongoing transformation.
Kikuchi’s Arrival: The $63 Million Gamble
Yusei Kikuchi’s three-year $63 million deal is the largest free agent pitching contract the Angels have handed out since 2011. Kikuchi split his 2024 season between Toronto and Houston, where his performance varied dramatically. In Toronto, he posted a 4-9 record with a 4.75 ERA, but after joining Houston, he turned things around with a 5-1 record and a 2.70 ERA over 10 starts.
This strong second half, including a 147 ERA+, prompted the Angels to view him as their likely Opening Day starter. While Kikuchi is not a consensus ace, his consistency and leadership is central to the Angels’ hopes of rotation stability.
For those eyeing baseball parlay picks, Kikuchi’s late-season surge could make the Angels’ matchups especially intriguing. Bettors should watch to see if he can sustain that elevated level of performance in Anaheim.
Anderson’s Consistency and the All-Star Bump
Tyler Anderson was the lone Angels All-Star in 2024, delivering his most complete season. He finished with a 3.1 WAR and led the team by pitching 179.2 innings. Anderson’s effectiveness was front-loaded, as he excelled before the All-Star break but showed signs of fatigue in the latter part of the year.
Despite the late-season dip, his durability and production helped anchor a staff undergoing significant transition. His place in the 2025 rotation is vital, not only for his output but for providing a model of reliability. As the team experiments with new arms and recovers from prior setbacks, Anderson remains a steady presence around which the rotation can organize.
Soriano’s Transition and the Durability Question
José Soriano’s move from relief pitching to a full-time starter’s role was one of the season’s most intriguing developments. He delivered a strong 3.42 ERA across 20 starts in 2024, demonstrating poise and adaptability despite the midseason role change.
However, Soriano’s campaign ended prematurely due to arm fatigue, which raises familiar concerns: he has already undergone two Tommy John surgeries and is just 26 years old. The Angels are watching his workload closely, aiming to balance his evident talent with the risk of overuse.
If Soriano can maintain health and adapt to the demands of a full 2025 MLB season, his presence deepens the staff and offers upside beyond traditional projections.
Hendricks as Mentor: Value Beyond the Stat Sheet
Kyle Hendricks brings a unique blend of experience and uncertainty to the Angels’ rotation. At 35, Hendricks is well-known for his cerebral approach and World Series pedigree from his years with the Chicago Cubs. However, 2024 was his most inconsistent campaign, with a 5.92 ERA and an early-season move to the bullpen.
His signing represents more than just innings: the Angels value his veteran presence and potential to mentor a youthful group of pitchers. While performance questions persist, Hendricks’ influence on the staff’s culture and preparation is a key subplot in the rotation’s overhaul.
Other Strategic Shifts and Rotation Depth
This offseason, the Angels parted ways with underperforming veterans such as Griffin Canning and Patrick Sandoval, signaling a new approach to resource allocation.
The team enters the month with no major starting pitching injuries, allowing them to assess the revamped rotation at full strength. Relief ace Robert Stephenson is the only notable absence, recovering from Tommy John surgery.
These moves reflect a desire to streamline the roster and provide more opportunities for emerging contributors. By blending veterans with high-upside prospects, the Angels are attempting to forge a staff less susceptible to collapse and better equipped to endure the rigors of a full season.
