The end of the 2023 season gave the Los Angeles Angels' front office a glimmer of hope. While the team itself disappointed, failing to reach the postseason for the ninth consecutive season, some young players stepped up to show they could be a core part of the team in 2024 and beyond.
In part because of those young players, the Angels can at least try to build a 2024 roster around their existing core with an eye toward contending in the short term, rather than completely rebuilding from scratch.
One of these players is first baseman Nolan Schanuel, who made a splash in Anaheim after racing through the minor leagues in a matter of months.
Schanuel reached safety in his first 29 major league games, matching Enos Slaughter for the third-longest streak to start a career in American and National League history. Schanuel finished the year hitting .275 with one home run and six runs batted in.
In barely a month as a minor leaguer, Schanuel drew 21 walks and struck out only 10 times. His plate discipline carried over following his promotion to the major leagues, where he drew 20 walks and struck out 19 times.
Schanuel made an appearance on MLB Network Radio recently and explained how he has turned himself into such a patient hitter.
"If I take a strike, I kick myself out of the cage. If I swing at a ball, I kick myself out of the cage."
Schanuel is exactly the type of player the Halos are excited to build around going forward. He is likely their first baseman of the future after being selected in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, 11th overall.
Although his call-up last season was a surprise — Schanuel played only 22 minor league games across three levels — he quickly showed he belonged in the big leagues. The Halos are hoping he can build on that success in his 2024, which should be his first full major league season.
Schanuel has the potential to headline the Angels' core for years to come. Whether he ascends to stardom or is merely a steady contributor, it's bright future for a 21-year-old who was in college this time a year ago.
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