The Los Angeles Angels have many options to replace Luis Rengifo, who is out for the remainder of the 2024 season. The 27-year-old Venezuelan was having a career year when he went down with a wrist injury that required surgery. The switch-hitting Rengifo slashed .300/.374/.417/.763 for a 112 OPS+ and a 1.7 bWAR over 78 games. He also added 24 stolen bases and most importantly defensive versatility. His ability to play multiple positions helped the Angels shuffle lineups after injuries to Anthony Rendon, Brandon Drury, and even Mike Trout.
The Angels’ trade options for Rengifo at the deadline were high in number due to his quality play and team control through 2025. Yet, the team’s trade deadline strategy was misguided and they chose to keep him. Unsurprisingly, the move backfired as Rengifo played only one game after the deadline. Now, his season is over. Thus, the Angels must find options to replace Luis Rengifo over fifty-plus games.
Luis Rengifo will miss the rest of the season after undergoing wrist surgery pic.twitter.com/Gh9P5HeFu1
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 6, 2024
The Angels’ Options to Replace Luis Rengifo
Michael Stefanic – The Favorite
The 28-year-old Michael Stefanic will likely get the bulk of the second-base at-bats now that Rengifo is out for the season. After batting 2-for-4 Thursday night in the Angels’ 9-4 win over the New York Yankees, Stefanic is slashing .320/.382/.380/.762 over 16 games. The light-hitting second baseman has yet to homer in 173 career big league at-bats, has not stolen a base, and provides little value defensively. The majority of Stefanic’s value will come from his batting average, which is .331 over six minor league seasons. Stefanic has posted a .389 average in Triple-A this season, though Salt Lake City is known as a hitter’s paradise. Add it all up and Stefanic is the favorite to replace Luis Rengifo.
Charles Leblanc – The Backup
Charles Leblanc had a decent introduction to the majors in 2022 with the Miami Marlins but didn’t return until the Angels called him up on Saturday. He has started two games at third base and is unlikely to play the keystone, so he’ll be fighting Brandon Drury for time when Rendon is a designated hitter. Leblanc is a far different hitter than Stefanic, as his bat-to-ball skills leave something to be desired. Still, he has a good eye and is good for double-digit home runs over a full season.
Matthew Lugo – The Newbie
The Angels acquired Matthew Lugo from the Boston Red Sox at the deadline for reliever Luis García. The 23-year-old has a .954 OPS over 79 games in Double-A and Triple-A. That alone will likely convince the Angels to give him a shot. The Puerto Rican youngster’s power has improved every year he’s been in the minors. Because of this, it’s likely now that he’ll end up a 20+ home run hitter. He’ll be an excellent option to replace Luis Rengifo in 2024 and Rendon during his likely injury absence in 2025.
Christian Moore – The Prospect
The Angels selected Christian Moore with the No. 8 pick in this year’s MLB Draft. Moore has thanked them by hitting everything since he has been assigned. The Angels have already promoted Moore once. Add together his pedigree, his early success, and the Angels’ recent trend of lightning-fast promotions and you have the perfect storm that could see Moore replace Rengifo in Anaheim. Moore is a more advanced hitter than Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto were at this point in their careers.
Other Rengifo Replacement Options
Other options to replace Luis Rengifo are Kyren Paris, Keston Hiura, and Cole Tucker. Yet, despite having played with the Angels earlier in the season, these players have huge strikes against them. Paris played terribly over his last month and currently has an undisclosed injury. He is with the team’s Rookie club in Arizona even though their season is over. It’s quite likely that his season is as well.
Hiura has been Ruthian in Salt Lake City but was unable to seize his initial opportunity in Anaheim. The Angels aren’t worried long-term about Hiura’s ability to hit. However, his defensive ability is below average and could keep him out of the running as a replacement. When rosters expand in September, Hiura will likely get another chance to prove that his bat will play. Tucker is the ultimate journeyman, but he had a .180 average and .563 OPS with the Angels in his last stint. They are likely to give everyone above a chance before it comes back around to him.
Photo Credit: © Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
