Angels Coach Bo Porter Details Plan To Improve Mike Trout's, Team's Stolen Base Totals

As the Los Angeles Angels enter the Ron Washington era, there seems to be one common desire among the coaching staff: being a bigger threat on the basepaths.

Newly hired first base coach Bo Porter identified this as one area the team needs to improve on most in a recent Q-and-A with The Athletic.

"That’s something we have identified as a club. We know it’s an area in which we can improve, and we’re going to improve. It was one of the draws for me, being a passionate coach as it relates to baserunning."

Per Sam Blum of The Athletic

Last season, Major League Baseball saw stolen bases increase by 41% compared to 2022. The stolen base success rate also increased, at least in the regular season. This was precisely the intended effect of a slate of new rules that disincentivized pickoff throws and enlarged the bases slightly.  

The Angels placed last in the American League, stealing only 72 bases. In 2022, the Angels stole 75 bases. While the vast majority of teams found the new rules more amenable to aggressive base-stealing tactics, the Angels were more passive.

Seeking a turnaround, Porter believes encouraging three-time American League MVP Mike Trout to become a stolen-base threat would benefit both him and the team.

“I definitely think that (running more) is something we can incorporate into Mike’s game. And when I say Mike’s game, I’m saying every player on the roster. I coached in Washington where (the Nationals’) Ryan Zimmerman became a base-stealing threat. Michael Morse would steal bases. It’s understanding that when the other team has to defend every aspect of the game, your team becomes dangerous. You only allow a team to relax when you become predictable. And if there’s anyone on your roster that is just straight predictable, then you’re allowing the other team to not have to coach. We’re not going to allow that.”

Per Sam Blum of The Athletic

Early his career, Trout was one of the biggest stolen-base threats in the MLB. In 2012, Trout stole 49 bases for the Angels, then 33 the next year. As the coaching staff changed and the organization's philosophies evolved, Trout hasn't stolen more than 20 bags since 2018. That was also the last year of former manager Mike Scioscia.

Although Trout has dealt with injuries over the last three years, getting him going on the basepaths once again should be a must for the Angels.

Last year, the Angels constantly struggled to bring runners home when they were on the basepaths. Perhaps a change of coaching and being more aggressive could help them increase pressure on opposing pitchers and would help create more opportunities for the team to score in key situations of the game.

Aside from getting Trout going, Porter believes everyone on the team stands a chance when it comes to stealing bases.

"I believe every roster has a chance to do that. It all depends on what degree of importance you’re going to place on it."

Per Sam Blum of The Athletic