Shortly after making his MLB debut just weeks after being drafted in the first round of the 2023 draft, Los Angeles Angels rookie first baseman Nolan Schanuel has quickly found himself in his first big league offseason.
Schanuel made a name for himself shortly after the MLB draft as the rookie first baseman from Florida Atlantic University broke a franchise record for the Angels last year as he reached base safely in his first 16 games as a big leaguer.
Coming into next season, Schanuel's streak remains as he has reached base safely in his first 29 games and is just 18 games away from tying Alvin Davis who accomplished this feat in 1984 with the Seattle Mariners.
What are Nolan Schanuel's Goals?
After failing to reach the league minimum of 130 at-bats in a single season to become eligible for the Rookie of the Year award, Schanuel will enter next season eligible for the award and could be a likely candidate.
However, breaking records and winning individual awards are not his goals next season.
In an interview with Stark Sports, Schanuel revealed he has his sights set on the bigger picture next season.
"I want to win a pennant. I want to make it to the World Series, I want to win a World Series. Just all team-oriented goals right now."
Schanuel also went on to discuss what he has been doing so far in the offseason and how he has been improving and stated that he is focusing on hitting for power, stealing bases, and working in the batting cages to find other ways he can reach base next year aside from singles or walks.
In the 29 games Schanuel played for the Angels last year, the rookie first baseman held a .275 batting average and OPS of .732 while walking 20 times and striking out 19.
As Schanuel stated, he is looking to find ways to become a better situational hitter.
Last year, he had only one home run, two doubles, and just six RBIs.
It's no doubt he has a great eye at the plate but if he can work on getting more extra-base hits, he could be a real candidate to win the AL Rookie of the Year and help get the Angels back to the postseason for the first time since 2014.
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