Angels will never be relevant while Arte Moreno owns the team

Bad contracts

Most recently, Anthony Rendon was awarded a seven-year, $245M deal in 2019. Since signing, Rendon has spent more time on the injured list than on the field and has been a source of frustration for both fans and media.

Rather than build balanced, flexible rosters, Moreno has often pursued stars past their primes — while failing to address the team’s most glaring needs, particularly pitching.

He's the Jerry Jones of baseball without the championships

Unlike some owners who empower their baseball operations departments, Moreno has long been known for direct involvement in player decisions — often to the detriment of the team. Multiple reports over the years suggest that general managers were overruled on key trades or free-agent pursuits. For instance, it’s widely believed that Moreno personally pushed for the Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton deals, despite internal warnings.

In 2023, when the Angels had the opportunity to trade Shohei Ohtani at the deadline for a potentially historic return of prospects, Moreno blocked the move. He insisted on making a playoff push — one that fell flat within weeks. Ohtani walked for nothing after the season, leaving the Angels with neither wins nor compensation.

Wasting Mike Trout's prime

Perhaps the most damning part of Moreno's tenure is how the franchise has handled two of the most talented players in modern baseball history: Mike Trout and Ohtani.

Trout, a generational talent and a model superstar, has played just three postseason games — all losses. Despite signing a long-term extension to stay with Los Angeles, he’s spent most of his career surrounded by underwhelming teams and paper-thin rosters.

Moreno’s time as owner of the Angels began with bold promises and passionate fan engagement. But over the years, those promises turned into stubborn decisions, outdated thinking and missed opportunities. The franchise is now stuck in mediocrity — with a barren farm system, bloated contracts and no clear direction forward.