The Los Angeles Angels have several choices to fill the void left by Luis Rengifo, who is out for the rest of the 2024 season due to a wrist injury that required surgery. At 27, Rengifo was enjoying a standout year, batting .300/.374/.417/.763 with a 112 OPS+ and a 1.7 bWAR in 78 games. He also contributed 24 stolen bases and provided valuable defensive versatility, helping the Angels adapt their lineup amid injuries to Anthony Rendon, Brandon Drury, and Mike Trout.
Luis Rengifo will miss the rest of the season after undergoing wrist surgery pic.twitter.com/Gh9P5HeFu1
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 6, 2024
Despite Rengifo’s impressive performance and team control through 2025, the Angels’ trade deadline approach was flawed as they opted to retain him rather than trade him. This decision proved costly, as Rengifo played only one game after the deadline before his season ended. Now, the Angels need to explore options to replace Rengifo for the remaining fifty-plus games.
The Angels’ Options to Replace Luis Rengifo
Michael Stefanic – The Favorite
The 28-year-old Michael Stefanic is expected to handle most of the second-base duties with Rengifo out for the season. Following a 2-for-4 performance in Thursday night’s 9-4 victory over the New York Yankees, Stefanic’s line stands at .320/.382/.380/.762 over 16 games. Although he has yet to hit a home run or steal a base in his 173 big league at-bats and offers limited defensive value, his primary asset is his batting average, which is .331 over six minor league seasons. This season, he’s hitting .389 in Triple-A, although Salt Lake City is known for its hitter-friendly conditions. Given these factors, Stefanic is the leading candidate to replace Luis Rengifo.
Charles Leblanc – The Backup
Charles Leblanc had a solid debut in the majors with the Miami Marlins in 2022 but didn’t return until the Angels brought him up on Saturday. He’s started two games at third base and is unlikely to play second base, meaning he’ll compete with Brandon Drury for playing time when Rendon is the designated hitter. Unlike Stefanic, Leblanc’s bat-to-ball skills are somewhat lacking, but he has a keen eye at the plate and can hit double-digit home runs over a full season.
Matthew Lugo – The Newbie
The Angels traded reliever Luis García to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Matthew Lugo. The 23-year-old Lugo has posted a .954 OPS in 79 games across Double-A and Triple-A, which should persuade the Angels to give him a chance. The Puerto Rican prospect’s power has grown each year in the minors, suggesting he could become a 20+ home run hitter. He is expected to be a strong replacement for Luis Rengifo in 2024 and for Anthony Rendon during his anticipated injury absence in 2025.
Christian Moore – The Prospect
The Angels chose Christian Moore with the eighth overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft. Moore has shown his gratitude by hitting impressively since joining the team. The Angels have already moved him up once, and given his background, early achievements, and the team’s recent pattern of rapid promotions, Moore could potentially take Rengifo’s spot in Anaheim. He’s currently a more developed hitter compared to where Nolan Schanuel and Zach Neto were at this stage in their careers.
Other Rengifo Replacement Options
Alternative options to replace Luis Rengifo include Kyren Paris, Keston Hiura, and Cole Tucker. However, each of these players has significant drawbacks. Paris struggled badly in his last month and is currently dealing with an undisclosed injury, playing with the Rookie club in Arizona despite their season being over. It seems likely his season might be over as well.
Hiura has been outstanding in Salt Lake City but failed to capitalize on his initial opportunity with the Angels. While the team is not concerned about his hitting ability long-term, his subpar defense may hinder his chances as a replacement. With roster expansions in September, Hiura will likely get another shot to demonstrate that his bat can contribute. Tucker, a seasoned journeyman, had a disappointing .180 average and .563 OPS during his last stint with the Angels. They will probably consider the other options before giving Tucker another look.
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