The Los Angeles Angels arrive at Busch Stadium on March 31, 2025, to face the surging St. Louis Cardinals, seeking to begin their first road trip of the season on a stronger note after a disappointing 2024 campaign. The Angels are coming off a 63-99 season that placed them at the bottom of the American League West, a sobering reality for a team with star power but years of underachievement. Now under renewed leadership and direction, Los Angeles enters 2025 with tempered expectations but a clear mission to rebuild credibility, develop young talent, and finally provide a winning framework around their marquee players. This series against the Cardinals offers a stiff early test for a team still searching for consistency and cohesion. At the heart of the Angels’ lineup remains Mike Trout, one of the game’s most generational talents. Despite health concerns that have limited him in recent seasons, Trout is still capable of elite production when on the field. In 2024, he managed 27 home runs in limited action and posted an OPS near .900, reminding fans and opponents alike of his immense impact when healthy. Now entering his age-33 season, Trout is focused not only on staying productive but staying on the field—an outcome that may define the Angels’ season. Behind him in the lineup is Taylor Ward, who stepped up last year as a legitimate middle-of-the-order presence. Ward provides power and plate discipline, and his emergence has given the Angels a valuable right-handed bat to complement Trout. One of the team’s biggest offseason moves was not a splashy acquisition but a quiet commitment to letting young players play. That includes shortstop Zach Neto, who debuted last season and quickly showed advanced defensive instincts and a mature approach at the plate. His bat continues to develop, and he enters 2025 with the shortstop job fully in his control.

Joining him in the youth movement is Logan O’Hoppe behind the plate. O’Hoppe, acquired in a previous trade from the Phillies, has become a cornerstone catcher with power and solid framing ability. His rapport with the pitching staff and growing leadership qualities give the Angels a long-term asset behind the dish. The Angels’ starting rotation remains a concern, particularly after the departure of Shohei Ohtani. In this game, Griffin Canning is projected to take the mound. Canning, a right-hander with above-average stuff, made strides in 2024 with increased strikeout rates and improved command. He posted a 4.18 ERA across 25 starts, showing flashes of top-tier potential. However, consistency remains elusive, and against a disciplined lineup like St. Louis, he will need to limit walks and work efficiently to give his team a fighting chance. The bullpen has been restructured but still lacks depth. Carlos Estévez returns as the closer, though his performance waned in the second half of last season. Setup duties are likely to fall to José Soriano and Matt Moore, both of whom bring power arms but have struggled with command. Defensively, the Angels have improved in the infield with Neto and Brandon Drury, but questions linger in the outfield beyond Trout. Hunter Renfroe’s departure has left a hole in right field, and the team is still sorting through defensive options with limited depth. These inconsistencies often expose the pitching staff to extra pitches and extended innings—issues that plagued Los Angeles throughout last season. Manager Ron Washington, hired in the offseason, brings energy, accountability, and a strong reputation for developing infield defense and young players. His impact may take time to materialize, but early signs indicate improved effort and structure within the clubhouse. Washington’s focus will be on instilling discipline and avoiding the mental lapses that undermined the team in 2024. As they face the Cardinals, the Angels know they’re facing an opponent firing on all cylinders. But for Los Angeles, this series is less about domination and more about establishing an identity—competing hard, staying healthy, and giving their young core the opportunity to grow under fire. Wins may not come easily, but meaningful progress can start here, even in a hostile road environment.