Logan O’Hoppe, who has exclusively played as a catcher in his 467 professional North American games and served as a designated hitter in seven games this season, tried a different position during Wednesday’s pregame in New York. Before the Los Angeles Angels faced the Mets, O’Hoppe spent about 15 minutes taking ground balls at third base and approximately 10 more receiving guidance from infield coach Ryan Goins. This unusual move raised questions about the possibility of a position change to address ongoing defensive challenges.
Angels’ Catching Defense Among the Weakest in MLB
Defense has been a significant issue for the Angels, especially at the catcher position where they have the lowest Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in the league, tied with the Colorado Rockies at minus-10 through Tuesday. O’Hoppe’s individual contribution to this statistic is a negative seven DRS, reflecting struggles behind the plate. His caught stealing rate has also declined to 16 percent, with only eight of 49 attempted base stealers thrown out this year, down from 26 percent the previous season.
Potential Third Base Opportunity Amid Team’s Defensive Woes
The idea of O’Hoppe shifting to third base is intriguing given the Angels’ poor production there as well. The team’s third basemen have delivered a combined -2.0 bWAR, placing them 29th in Major League Baseball. While contending teams might look externally to improve this spot, the Angels’ current standing makes internal solutions more appealing.
Season Context and Trade Market Considerations
With a 49-53 record and sitting 4.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox for the final American League Wild Card berth, the Angels have a slim postseason probability, estimated at less than 3 percent by FanGraphs. This reduces incentive to trade away future assets in pursuit of immediate help, encouraging the club to evaluate internal roster options like experimenting with position changes for players such as O’Hoppe.
Challenges and Future Possibilities for O’Hoppe
Despite the curiosity, O’Hoppe described his third base practice session as “just messing around,” a stance that suggests learning and adaptability more than a firm commitment. However, given the team’s defensive struggles, it would not be surprising if the Angels begin preparing him for a potential versatility role, especially considering that current third basemen Yoan Moncada and Luis Rengifo are trade candidates should the team fall further out of contention.
O’Hoppe’s move to the infield, if it gains traction, could merely fill a temporary need rather than signal a permanent change, but starting the transition during the season could provide the necessary preparation time for a smooth adjustment. This approach could help the Angels cover defensive gaps internally while preserving longer-term development at the catcher position.
Implications for the Angels’ 2024 Season and Beyond
As the Angels continue to navigate a challenging season, experimenting with position flexibility could become an essential strategy. O’Hoppe’s willingness to engage in new defensive roles not only reflects individual adaptability but also represents a potential response to the team’s low defensive output at key positions. This development may influence roster decisions and trade considerations as the July 31 deadline approaches, while signaling a readiness to explore unconventional solutions within the organization.