Angels Consider Josh Lowe for Center Field Role

The Los Angeles Angels have made significant changes to their roster by acquiring outfielder Josh Lowe in a three-team trade. This strategic move involved sending reliever Brock Burke to the Cincinnati Reds. General Manager Perry Minasian held a virtual press conference to discuss the implications of this trade.

Josh Lowe’s Role and Potential

Minasian indicated that Lowe could compete for the center field position. He acknowledged Lowe’s recent struggles and injuries but emphasized the player’s versatility in the outfield. “He’s obviously had a couple of up-and-down seasons with injuries, but he’s a player we believe can play all three outfield spots,” said Minasian.

With the trade of Taylor Ward earlier in the offseason, the Angels’ lineup risked becoming overwhelmingly right-handed. Currently, the projected outfield consists of Mike Trout, Jorge Soler, Jo Adell, and Bryce Teodosio, all of whom hit from the right side. The only other left-handed hitter on their 40-man roster, Wade Meckler, was picked up off waivers from San Francisco.

Defensive Capabilities of Josh Lowe

• Primarily played right field in his career.
• Minimal experience in center field; only 156 career innings logged.
• Statcast metrics have indicated below-average performance in right field in recent seasons.

While Lowe possesses long strides and speed, his initial reactions in the outfield, according to Statcast, have not impressed. The analytics suggest that regular play in center field may further complicate his defensive metrics.

Alternatives and Future Prospects

The Angels face a dilemma regarding their center field options. Jo Adell, who played half their games in center last season, struggled defensively and later transitioned to right field. Bryce Teodosio has shown promise but has yet to establish himself offensively, with a career batting line of .193/.236/.287. Meanwhile, Meckler has not appeared at the major league level in two years.

Future considerations include the possibility of shifting Mike Trout back to center field in 2026. However, the Angels prefer to keep him in a corner spot to mitigate injury risks.

Looking Ahead: Nelson Rada’s Potential

Twenty-year-old prospect Nelson Rada could become a factor at center field soon. He split his age-19 season between two minor league levels, demonstrating notable performance that caught the attention of scouts. Rada’s attributes include speed and defensive skills, although he lacks significant power.

Josh Lowe’s Offensive History

Josh Lowe will aim for redemption after a lackluster 2024 season, during which he posted a batting line of .220/.283/.366 over 435 plate appearances. Just two years prior, Lowe showed his potential with a strong offensive performance, hitting .292/.335/.500 along with 20 home runs and 32 stolen bases.

Health issues, particularly oblique injuries, have hindered his consistency over the past two seasons. As the Angels integrate Lowe into their lineup, they hope to leverage his left-handed bat, providing a necessary balance to a predominantly right-handed roster.