Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada is recovering from soreness, causing him to lag behind other position players in spring training. Moncada aims to revitalize his career after a disappointing 2024 season, where he played just 12 games due to injury with the Chicago White Sox. With Anthony Rendon sidelined for the entire 2025 season, Moncada is expected to fill the void at third base, providing a more reliable presence for the Angels. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal emphasizes the significant opportunity for Moncada in Anaheim, noting the team's inability to rely on Rendon’s health. By the end of the 2025 season, Rendon will have participated in less than 30 percent of games for the Angels. Moncada's performance in 2019, where he posted a .315 batting average and hit 25 home runs, gives hope for a comeback.

Angels manager Ron Washington expressed optimism about the team's potential for success in 2025, but he also highlighted the importance of evaluating the roster during spring training. With new veteran additions to the team, Washington is focused on assessing whether they have the right mix to contend. The Angels are looking to escape the bottom of the American League standings, and Moncada’s role will be pivotal in achieving this goal. As he works to overcome injuries and demonstrate his capabilities, Moncada has a crucial chance to establish himself as a dependable everyday player for the Angels.

The Los Angeles Angels find themselves in a tight spot with Anthony Rendon's substantial contract, which has become a burden after six challenging seasons. With recent hip surgery sidelining him for likely the entire 2025 season, Rendon's reliability has been further called into question. Since signing his seven-year, $245 million contract in 2020, his performance has sharply declined, hitting only .242 with a .717 OPS for the Angels compared to his impressive .290 average and .859 OPS during his time with the Washington Nationals.

Moreover, the Angels' management, led by owner Arte Moreno, neglected to secure injury insurance on Rendon, a decision pointed out by Ken Rosenthal as a major oversight given the size of his contract. Had they invested in insurance, they could have potentially saved around $50 million during his recovery. Looking ahead, the Angels have brought in Yoán Moncada to cover third base, further indicating their waning faith in Rendon's ability to contribute.

Anthony Rendon, a key acquisition for the Los Angeles Angels signing a hefty seven-year, $245 million contract, has faced significant struggles with injuries since joining the team. Following another setback in his recovery that necessitates hip surgery, Rendon will be sidelined indefinitely, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming season.

On a more positive note, fellow Angel Zach Neto has reported improvements with his shoulder injury, though uncertainty lingers over his readiness for Opening Day. Meanwhile, speculation swirls around the Angels potentially securing a big-name starting pitcher before the 2025 season, which could bolster their rotation significantly.

The New York Yankees have solidified their starting rotation with the return of Gerrit Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, who opted to stay with the team through his contract, running until 2028. Joining him is Max Fried, who signed a historic eight-year deal after a successful stint with the Atlanta Braves. With aspirations to reclaim the World Series title, the Yankees are hopeful that this potent combination can lead them to success.

Across the league, new faces are emerging, including Terry Francona taking the helm of the Cincinnati Reds, a team with a promising roster featuring young talents like Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers have added depth to their rotation, including Blake Snell and the anticipated return of two-way star Shohei Ohtani following his recovery from elbow surgery.