When Los Angeles Angels gave first baseman/outfielder Jared Walsh his first extended opportunity in the majors in 2020, he was already 26.
He managed to hit .293/.324/.646 with nine home runs in 32 games that year, raising some eyebrows and giving the Angels a good player to build their next playoff-caliber roster.
Then, he received the chance to be a regular in 2021.
Although the Angels weren’t really a postseason team, Walsh did not disappoint with a .277/.340/.509 line, 29 home runs, and 98 RBI.
And while he wasn’t off to the best start in 2022, he is still showing he is a dangerous run producer, one that the Angels should feel lucky to have on their roster.
“Jared Walsh has 8 RBIs in the last 24 hours,” The Athletic’s Angels reporter Sam Blum tweeted, with a run-scoring single off Walsh’s bat.
Jared Walsh has 8 RBIs in the last 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/TcDiKnkSci
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) May 5, 2022
Not in the video was his seventh-inning two-run home run, but we have it for you:
¡Señoras y señores, saquen el sombrero de vaquero, HR de JARED WALSH! 🤠#VamosHalos pic.twitter.com/kNM1d7PcdB
— Angels Béisbol (@AngelsBeisbol) May 5, 2022
Walsh Is Starting To Find His Rhythm At The Plate
It came on a nasty breaking ball from Tanner Houck, which goes to show that not all home runs are mistake pitches.
Walsh appears to be improving with each passing day.
After his Thursday performance, he is slashing .247/.302/.416 with four home runs and a .718 OPS.
He is starting to turn things around at the plate, but the most important thing is that he has remained productive in the RBI department the whole season.
He could challenge for the league lead in hitting behind guys like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Anthony Rendon, three MVP candidates.
Quietly, Walsh is the perfect hitter to have near the middle of the lineup, as he will likely drive all those guys in with his considerable power.
