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Angels Nearing Unfortunate History After Loss to Reds

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 6:00 AM ET

The Los Angeles Angels are proof that having talented players is only one part of team success. The roster is highlighted by future Hall of Famer Mike Trout, 2025 All-Star pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, and power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward (29 homers, 92 RBI), but they're still 7.5 games out of an AL Wild Card spot with five-and-a-half weeks left.

The Angels' recent history is even worse, as they haven't made the playoffs since 2014 despite having Trout and generational superstar Shohei Ohtani until the latter player left in the 2023 offseason. There are few other examples in professional sports history of a team missing the postseason for several consecutive years despite having two all-time greats.

On top of that, Los Angeles is approaching an unfortunate MLB record this season, via The Athletic's Sam Blum.

"The Angels have struck out 1,235 times this season. That's 62 more than the next highest team ([Colorado] Rockies), and 378 more than the [Toronto] Blue Jays," he reported after the team's 6-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. "The highest total for a season ever is 1,654 (2023 [Minnesota] Twins)."

The fact that Los Angeles has more strikeouts than the Rockies, who are on pace to be the worst team ever, shows that the offense is too reliant on power-hitting. The team is tied for third in MLB with 178 homers, but just 25th with 983 hits.

The Angels are averaging 9.8 strikeouts per game, which puts them on pace for 1,587.8 this season. That would be good for eighth on the all-time list, and they likely will miss the playoffs again if that happens.

The Angels have struck out 1,235 times this season.

That's 62 more than the next highest team (Rockies), and 378 more than the Blue Jays.

The highest total for a season ever is 1,654 (2023 Twins).
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) August 20, 2025

August Has Been Another Difficult Month for Angels

Other than their sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Angels haven't won a series in August. Their only winning month this season was June, when they finished 15-11.

However, the club was 41-41 heading into July and a legitimate factor in the AL Wild Card race. Returning to a .500 record would put it back in the race, but it must win more series to do that.

Up next for the Angels is a rematch with the Reds on Wednesday night. Kikuchi will face Cincinnati right-hander Nick Martinez at Angel Stadium.

After that, the team will host the Chicago Cubs before hitting the road to play the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, and Kansas City Royals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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