Angels Countdown to Spring - 24 Days

1/18/20 - Jay Sheehy - Founder and Editor-In-Chief 12:20 PM PST

We are 24 days away from the Los Angeles Angels pitchers and catchers reporting to Tempe, Arizona, to begin the most wonderful season of the year: baseball season. Our countdown to that magnificent day stops at a number that is incredibly meaningful to the Angels chances of making the playoffs in 2020. The reason #24 is so important is that while most Angels fans were disenchanted by the Angels inability to sign a top notch starting pitcher (I know I was), and/or thrilled by the big-time acquisition of all-world third baseman, Anthony Rendon, it is the baseline for this player that might be the difference between making the playoffs or wasting another year in the baseball life of one of the game’s greatest players, Mike Trout.

Reason #24: Justin Upton’s Home Run Total

Justin Upton debuted as a 19-year old phenom in 2007, has MVP votes in all four of his all-star seasons, and averaged 27 home runs, 89 runs, 84 RBI and a .270/.349/.482/.831 line (123 OPS+) from his 21-year old through his 30-year old season. Yet, we are all going to assume an injury filled year indicates the beginning of the end? Not me. If Justin Upton stays healthy in 2020 his baseline for home runs will be 24, and I’ll take the over. Steamer projects 30 home runs (though they also expect 624 plate appearances- with Jo Adell coming up at some point in the first half and Brian Goodwin’s versatility, I’ll take the under on plate appearances).

When the Angels secured Joe Maddon as their newest manager they made predictions exponentially more difficult. Maddon loves to keep his players fresh and he’s willing to give an extra day or two to guys who have been battling injuries. With that in mind, as well as Upton’s embarrassingly poor showing in the field last season, I think Upton will get more than a few extra days off in 2020. Plus, the newly added 26th man allows for Maddon to find a little more time off for those who truly need it. Even after a full off-season of being healthy, Justin Upton will surely need an extra day off here and there to stay fresh.

As long as he hits his 24+ home runs the Los Angeles Angels will be fine. If he plays 140 games he will definitely eclipse that number.