Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo has been a bright spot in what has turned out to be a dismal season so far.
The underrated, super utility player has been quietly having a good season, yet not many in baseball know about it.
Changes in Spring Training
Rengifo always starts the season slowly and then has a solid second half. He came into Spring Training 2024 wanting to change that and worked with new hitting Johnny Washington on bat adjustments. So far this season, everyone has seen the difference in his approach. There has been more power, more walks, and less chasing of pitches.
2024 Statistics
With those adjustments, the 27-year-old Rengifo is hitting .326, which is the highest mark of his six-year career. He has been consistent from both sides of the plate using a short and compact swing geared for line drives. He has hit four home runs and 17 RBI while showing a good eye at the plate. While he has never been considered fast, he is a smart baserunner. This has allowed him to lead the team with 12 stolen bases and 20 runs scored.
Since April 18, #Angels infielder Luis Rengifo leads the Majors (min. 90 PA) in batting average (.375) and is fourth in OBP (.438).
In eight games since his return from the IL, he is batting .324 (11/34) with a 1.025 OPS.
He has multiple hits in four of his last five games and… pic.twitter.com/cT5hSzFsGD
— AngelsWin.com (@AngelsWin) May 26, 2024
Never a Top Prospect
Rengifo was never a top prospect, but he still put together a solid career. He has never been an All-Star, nor has he received any consideration for MVP, Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, or Gold Glove. However, he is described as a serviceable MLB player on whom his teammates count to be there every night and contribute.
Low Expectations for Rengifo
For the last couple of years, the Angels had heightened expectations. With their two superstars, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, they were supposed to be a team that pushed for the playoffs. That did not happen as they won just 73 games in each of the last two seasons. This season, with Ohtani gone, the expectations switched to rebuilding and bringing in some younger players.
The Angels are struggling to find consistent hitting and pitching. Without that consistency, they have found themselves in last place in the American League West.
Struggles Will Continue
Rengifo has been a bright spot, but the team is widely expected to finish in fourth or fifth place within their division. They will likely miss the postseason for the 10th consecutive year. Now comes the question of whether or not they unload their serviceable players and get something to build with in return. A decision will need to be made on Trout. Do they keep him or trade him? Trout, who has the final say over whether he’s moved, wants to honor the contract that will keep him an Angel through 2030.
the american league west pic.twitter.com/0tfDjxBRqS
— Jay Cuda (@JayCuda) May 26, 2024
Outlook for Rengifo
The Angels are likely to find themselves out of postseason contention. Rengifo is the one bright spot they have at this point. His bat and his play have been steady and consistent. The team could trade Rengifo since he can play the middle infield positions.
Rengifo offers a good bat and speed, and he also plays solid defense. The question is whether they get anything other than a young prospect in the lower levels of Minor League Baseball. With the Angels’ farm system currently ranked in the bottom five, any prospect added in a trade could help them in the future.
Rengifo might just see himself in a new uniform by late July.
Main Image Credit:
