The Los Angeles Angels are at a crossroads, and their future hinges on one pivotal player: Jose Soriano. Without him stepping up, the team’s chances of success are slim. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Soriano has the raw talent to be a game-changer, there’s a glaring flaw in his game that could derail everything—and it’s not what you might think.
As the offseason settles, it’s clear the Angels are banking heavily on Soriano to anchor their rotation. With the team’s current pitching staff, their hopes of a .500 record rest almost entirely on his shoulders. This isn’t just about Soriano’s potential; it’s a stark reminder of the Angels’ recurring struggle to build a reliable pitching lineup year after year. Yet, Soriano’s role is undeniable—he’s their best shot.
On paper, Soriano has all the tools to succeed. His blazing fastball is a major asset, and his ability to induce ground balls is among the best in baseball. In an era dominated by home runs, this skill should be a recipe for success. But here’s the part most people miss: Soriano’s hard contact rate is alarmingly high, and it could spell trouble down the line.
While ground balls are typically a pitcher’s best friend, Soriano’s batters are hitting the ball harder than they should. In 2025, his average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage ranked in the bottom 4% of the league. This isn’t just a minor issue—it’s a red flag. Hitters aren’t being fooled, as evidenced by his mediocre chase rate, and this creates a unique problem for the Angels.
Ground balls are only effective if your defense can handle them. And this is where the Angels fall short—spectacularly. With a team Outs Above Average (OAA) of -54 in 2025, they had the worst defense in the league. Take Zach Neto, for example. While he’s a rising star at the plate, his -8 OAA in the infield is a glaring weakness. Pair this with Soriano’s tendency to give up hard-hit grounders, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
So, what’s the solution? Soriano needs to focus on reducing hard contact if he wants to reach the next level. Mixing in his splitter more frequently could keep hitters off balance, and refining his command would go a long way. While his talent is undeniable, relying solely on ground balls with this defense won’t cut it.
But here’s the real question: Can Soriano adapt his approach to complement the Angels’ defensive weaknesses, or will this flaw hold him—and the team—back? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you think Soriano can make the necessary adjustments, or is this a problem too big to overcome?
