Heading into 2021, Albert Pujols and his large contract was on the Angels’ payroll for the final year, but that did not stop Jared Walsh from outshining the future hall of famer and taking his job by early May. The Brookfield, WI native elevated the Halos lineup, offensively and defensively, in a season filled with injuries and misfortune. Walsh played in 144 of 162 games, missing only two weeks (July 28 - August 10) with a Right Intercostal strain. After a fantastic end to the shortened 2020 season that saw the lefty swing for a .327 batting average, 9 HR, 26 RBI and finishing 7th in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, it was safe to say that a hot start would be imminent to start 2021.
2021 Angels Player Review: Jared Walsh
