"Mike Trout is not on the field, Anthony Rendon hasn't performed" - Angels insiders see Logan O'Hoppe & Zach Neto stepping into leadership roles

On Thursday, MLB and LA Angels analysts Jon and Mike Frisch talked about how, in the absence of veterans such as Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, younger players showed their quality. Trout has been out for a major chunk of the season while Rendon has struggled with consistency along with regular stints on the IL.

A recurring knee injury has meant Trout's season is over. As for Rendon, he is currently out of action due to an oblique strain.

On Thursday's episode of "Locked on Angels," the Frisch brothers discussed how the younger players of the squad like Logan O'Hoppe, Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel have stepped up to the plate in the veterans' absence.

"[15:48] players have said that Logan [O'Hoppe] has natural leadership characteristics," Mike Frisch said. "Trout held that [leadership] position, but his lack of playing time has caused the players to look to others."

"[17:08] When it comes down to it, it has everything to do with the play on the field," Jon Frisch said. "For a while, Trout was the 'quiet leader', not talking to people but leading by example. What inspires people is good play on the field, and I think you saw that from Logan O'Hoppe this season."

Jon then talked about how supplementing the squad with better talent will in turn help take some of the pressure off the youngsters and lead to improved performances.

"[21:55] They [Angels] need their superstars. Trout has been the headliner, but he's not on the field, Rendon hasn't performed," Jon said. "I think, if you surround this young team with some substantial talent, everybody's talent will rise to the occasion, and it's going to elevate everybody's game."

"These young guys, Zach Neto, Logan O'Hoppe in particular, will become the headliners. Imagine you already have the headliners, and you get two more guys becoming the superstars, I think that makes a big difference for this team going forward."

MLB analyst calls for Mike Trout to opt for move away from Angels for "better situation"

Despite a strong start to the 2024 campaign, recurring injuries have derailed Mike Trout's season. Struggling for fitness and not getting any younger, Trout's future has been a topic of a lot of debate.

On Saturday's episode of "Blair and Barker," MLB analyst Jeff Blair talked about why moving away from Anaheim would be in Trout's best interest.

"[15:18] I want Mike Trout to go to a real good team where he can have some postseason success and maybe win something," Blair said. "Out of Anaheim and into a better situation."

Despite such calls for Trout to leave the Angels, it seems like he is going to stay put and fight it out in LA. It will be interesting to see if the star center fielder can put his injuries firmly behind him at the start of the 2025 campaign and regain his form from earlier this season.