Story by
Bryce Teodosio Is An Intriguing Defensive Option For Angels In Center Field
- Story by
- Bryce Teodosio Is An Intriguing Defensive Option For Angels In Center Field
(© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
The Los Angeles Angels have all kinds of defensive problems, and their outfield defense is one of their biggest issues. The guys they have out there aren't exactly angels in the outfield when it comes to catching the ball, and one of manager Kurt Suzuki 's big tasks going forward will be to fix the outfield defense.
Center fielder Jo Adell is a big part of the problem, but it's not really his fault. Adell is a solid corner outfielder who's playing out of position, and Bryce Teodosio is one option Suzuki will be taking a long, hard look at in spring training.
Advertisement
But Teososio comes with his own set of issues, starting with the fact that he can't hit. He did have one stretch last year where his stat line made it up to decent, but the 26-year old outfielder hasn't shown enough at any level to show that he deserves a full-time role.
Teodosio is an excellent defensive outfielder, though, and in that role he fills a huge Halos need. He can make highlight plays, which would make Adell even better. Teodosio would also help left fielder Taylor Ward , who's average at best, assuming the Angels decide to keep Ward as he heads into his age-32 season.
A deeper dive into Teodosio's offensive numbers reveals the problems. He spent part of the 2024 season recovering from hip flexor surgery, but after that the outfielder was surprisingly solid at Triple A Salt Lake, positing a slash line of .321/.368/.491 in 16 games. That led to a brief promotion in which he went 1 for 12 in just five games, and a fractured finger on a bunt attempt ended his season in early September.
Teodosio hit just .203 last year, and on most teams he'd be a depth piece at Triple A. But the Angels aren't most teams—they've already stated that they're not going to spend, which means Suzuki will have to mostly make do with what he already has on hand.
Advertisement
That means Tedosio will get a good, long look in spring training, based largely on his ability to play all three outfield positions well. The Angels would love it if he progressed enough offensively to earn a lineup spot, but the chances of that happening aren't good at all.
Another possibility is a platoon. The Angels will be looking to add left-handed bats during the offseason, and if they can sign a low-level free agent or swing a trade that could be another possibility. Teodosio's glove is desperately needed, so there's an opportunity at hand for the young outfielder.
