Angels 2026 spring training position preview: catchers

Angels pitchers and catchers are scheduled for their first workout of spring training on Feb. 11. As we count down the days until camp begins, we are going through the various position groups to give a breakdown of where the roster stands. Today, the catchers. Previously, the outfielders.

2025 RECAP

The Angels had high hopes for an improvement out of Logan O’Hoppe, in part because of the addition of veteran backup Travis d’Arnaud. The Angels also hoped that having a backup capable enough to give O’Hoppe some more time off would help O’Hoppe stay strong throughout the year. None of it worked. O’Hoppe’s numbers declined from 2024, dropping to a .629 OPS with 19 home runs. He had a .496 OPS over the final four months. His defense was also bad enough that he spent the season trying new things to fix it, going catching on one knee to a traditional style and then back. D’Arnaud also come up short of expectations, producing a .598 OPS and framing numbers that were near the bottom in the majors.

HOW IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW

The plan for 2026 is … the same. The Angels are still committed to O’Hoppe, who turns 26 next week, and they have another year on d’Arnaud’s contract. For what it’s worth, O’Hoppe said at the end of last season that he had a good handle on what had gone wrong for him, and he was confident he’d be able to improve. Also, the Angels have added a few more key mentors for him. New manager Kurt Suzuki was a long-time big league catcher. New catching coach Max Stassi was active as recently as last year. Both Suzuki and Stassi were known for their work behind the plate, so having those two and d’Arnaud should help O’Hoppe defensively. Offensively, O’Hoppe also has a new group of hitting coaches.

THE NEXT LAYER

The No. 3 catcher in the organization is Sebastian Rivero, a journeyman who got a little action in the majors last season. He’s not a true prospect, though. The Angels’ best catching prospects are years from the majors. Juan Flores will turn 20 in the first days of spring training. He’s advanced for his age, having finished last season at high-A. He’ll likely see Double-A this year. Gabriel Davalillo, 18, was the top player the Angels signed in their international class a year ago. He still hasn’t played at Class-A.

MOVE THEY COULD MAKE

Aside from signing some veteran backup to play at Triple-A and be their No. 3 catcher, there’s nothing the Angels are likely to do with their catching position in the near future. The next big decision point would come if O’Hoppe struggles again behind the plate this season, and the Angels decide to try him at another position. O’Hoppe is a good athlete, so it’s possible he could handle third base or even left field. For now, there are no signs that the Angels are considering that, though.