Angels Seek Ideal Lineup Protection for Mike Trout

Nolan Schanuel or Yoan Moncada could be the best fit to hit behind the superstar

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:05am

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The Los Angeles Angels are looking to find the optimal lineup protection for superstar outfielder Mike Trout. Currently, first baseman Nolan Schanuel has been batting third behind Trout, but there are arguments for moving the left-handed hitting Yoan Moncada or Jo Adell into that key spot to provide more power and run-producing potential.

Why it matters

Ensuring Trout sees hittable pitches is crucial for the Angels' offensive success. The team needs to find the right balance of on-base ability, power, and complementary skills to maximize Trout's production and protect him from being pitched around.

The details

Schanuel has been a solid on-base threat batting behind Trout, with a .354 OBP against right-handed pitching last season. His low strikeout rate and ability to put the ball in play also helps Trout utilize his elite speed on the basepaths. However, Schanuel lacks power, making it harder to drive Trout home from scoring position. Moncada, a left-handed hitter, had a .471 slugging percentage against righties in 2025, significantly higher than Schanuel's .363 mark. Moncada's power could be the ideal complement to Trout's on-base skills. Meanwhile, the left-handed hitting Jo Adell mashed lefties last season, posting a .585 slugging percentage, and could be the best option when the Angels face southpaw pitchers.

  • In the 2026 season, Nolan Schanuel has been batting third behind Mike Trout in every game so far.
  • Last season, Yoan Moncada had a .344 OBP and .471 SLG against right-handed pitchers.
  • In 2025, Jo Adell had a .277/.346/.585 slash line with 7 home runs against left-handed pitching.

The players

Mike Trout

A superstar outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who needs lineup protection to continue seeing hittable pitches.

Nolan Schanuel

A first baseman for the Los Angeles Angels who has been batting third behind Trout, providing solid on-base skills but limited power.

Yoan Moncada

A third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels who had significantly more power than Schanuel against right-handed pitching last season.

Jo Adell

An outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels who mashed left-handed pitching in 2025, making him a potential ideal option to hit behind Trout against southpaws.

Kurt Suzuki

The manager of the Los Angeles Angels who will make the lineup decisions regarding who should hit behind Mike Trout.

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What’s next

The Angels' coaching staff will evaluate the lineup options and make a decision on who should hit behind Mike Trout before the team's next game.

The takeaway

The Angels have several viable options to provide optimal lineup protection for Mike Trout, each with their own strengths. Finding the right balance of on-base ability, power, and complementary skills will be crucial for the team's offensive success.