Can three overlooked Los Angeles Angels players transform a season of expected failure into surprising success in 2026? It's a bold question, especially considering the Angels' recent history and current projections. The team is widely anticipated to finish at the bottom of the American League West once again in 2025, with PECOTA forecasts echoing this sentiment. However, what if the narrative could shift? While a division title might be a stretch, a significant success for the 2026 Angels could simply mean climbing out of the cellar or achieving a record closer to the .500 mark. This ambitious leap might hinge on the unexpected contributions of three players who, much like the team itself, aren't currently on anyone's radar for major impact. Let's dive into who these potential game-changers might be.
Bryce Teodosio: The Defensive Gem Waiting for His Bat to Catch Up
A glaring question mark for the Halos is the center field position. While the legendary Mike Trout has expressed openness to returning to center, his current career stage makes this a potentially risky proposition. Without a definitive center fielder, the team might be tempted to look at players like Josh Lowe, who has some experience in the role but isn't an ideal everyday solution.
This is where Bryce Teodosio enters the picture. Last season, in a limited sample size, Teodosio earned recognition as a top-10 defensive center fielder. The catch? His offensive production hasn't been strong enough to justify more playing time. But here's where it gets interesting: What if 2026 is the year his bat finally clicks? Even a transition to a league-average hitter, combined with his already stellar defense, could dramatically alter the Angels' outfield dynamics. In 2024, he posted a .276/.339/.418 slash line with five homers, 51 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases in 114 Triple-A games. The Angels desperately need some of that offensive spark to translate to the major league level this season.
Ben Joyce: The Fireballer with a Chance to Close
Another critical area of uncertainty for the Angels is their closer for 2026. While Robert Stephenson appears to be the frontrunner, Ben Joyce is a compelling candidate poised for a potential breakout. Joyce possesses incredible velocity, regularly clocking in at triple digits on the radar gun. However, his big league career has been hampered by injuries. Despite these setbacks, his impressive 2.08 ERA across 31 appearances in 2024 offers a beacon of hope. If he can stay healthy, Joyce could very well establish himself as a dominant late-inning force for the Angels in 2026.
Vaughn Grissom: The Acquired Talent with Triple-A Promise
The Angels made a strategic move this past offseason, acquiring Vaughn Grissom from the Boston Red Sox. While his major league numbers haven't yet impressed, his 2025 performance in Triple-A strongly suggests a potential breakout. In 96 games at the Triple-A level, Grissom showcased his offensive capabilities with a .270/.342/.441 slash line, including 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. He's a sneaky candidate who could not only put pressure on but potentially even take over the second base job from Christian Moore.
And this is the part most people miss: No one is expecting the Angels to be a contender in 2026. But if these three players – Teodosio, Joyce, and Grissom – can exceed expectations and deliver surprising performances, then perhaps the Angels can indeed defy the low projections and outperform what everyone anticipates.
What do you think? Can these unheralded players truly be the catalysts for an Angels turnaround, or are these just hopeful whispers in the wind? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
