The Angels are 32-47 as of June 21. Even though they are still 15 games under .500, there are some bright spots to note. Those bright spots? Wade Meckler and Jose Siri.
The Anaheim Native
Wade Meckler, 26, was drafted in the 8th round of the 2022 draft by the San Francisco Giants. In Jan 2026, the Angels selected Meckler off waivers and selected his contract in May.
Since joining the Halos, Meckler has batted .288 in 89 plate appearances. He has 23 hits and has driven in 13 runs while stealing two bases. Beyond his offensive capabilities, he has been a star in the outfield. Mainly playing left field, the 26-year-old has made many exceptional plays to keep games close.
Another exciting part of Meckler’s story is the fact that he grew up an Angels fan. Meckler grew up attending Angels games and went to high school that was “probably 15, 20 minutes away from Angel Stadium.”
The Angels have a history of signing Anaheim natives such as Jose Rojas and Michael Lorenzen. When these types of guys enter the Halos locker room, things certainly change. They bring a fire that is usually needed to kick-start good things.
“Hey Siri, Give the Angels Good Vibes”
Siri, 30, is a more seasoned veteran in the league. Having played games for the Astros, Rays, and Mets, Siri came to the Angels with a desire to prove his worth to stay in the majors. And he has certainly been giving it his all.
Siri is hitting .283 in 69 plate appearances. With 16 RBI’s and an OPS of .877, he’s been giving the Halos a charge they were missing. His timely hitting has kept them close and helped them win.
In all his bat-flipping glory, his offense is not all he brings. Like Meckler, Siri has played great defense. Siri has been tasked with playing games in each outfield spot, and he has adapted well, making zero errors in 27 games.
Only Up From Here
Since the two got to the majors, the Angels have won back-to-back series at home for the first time all year and have been 15-13. Of course, it hasn’t been all their doing. As Zach Neto and Logan O’Hoppe have started to find their grooves again. Starting pitching has been strong.
It certainly seems as though the current Angels group is clicking successfully. They may be last in the AL West currently, but they’re only eight games back from the Mariners in first. It’ll be a tough task to accomplish, but if the team continues to play the way they have been, it could be doable.
Leave a comment