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First pitch: 5 MLB spring training storylines we will be watching this week

By Kevin Henry

Feb 23, 2023; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres infielder Fernando Tatis Jr poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2023; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres infielder Fernando Tatis Jr poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 16: Shohei Ohtani #17 and Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels look on before the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 16, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 16: Shohei Ohtani #17 and Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels look on before the game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 16, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

MLB spring training storyline: Is there pressure for the Los Angeles Angels?

Could this be the most pressure-filled season in the history of the Angels organization? It may sound dramatic, but it’s very possible that what happens in 2023 could change the arc for the franchise moving forward.

That pressure includes the future of Shohei Ohtani, who is expected to explore free agency this offseason and will have teams lining up to talk to him about his career’s next steps. Have the Angels done enough this winter to show the two-way superstar they are serious about winning? Bringing on players such as Hunter Renfroe, Gio Urshela, Brandon Drury, and Tyler Anderson will give the Angels a new look, but will it be enough in a tough American League West?

The clock is also ticking for Mike Trout, who will turn 32 this season. The future Hall of Famer has played in just one postseason series in his 12-year MLB career. Does that bring up the pressure on the franchise this season as well?

Even with Trout and Ohtani both playing in more than 119 games last season, the Angels still finished at 73-89. Does this feel like a “make or break” season in Anaheim? I’ll ask around when I visit Angels camp on March 1.

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