Nolan Schanuel DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel worked to improve his bat speed during the offseason. Last season, the former 11th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft placed in the second percentile in bat speed (65.2 mph). He generated a weak 25.4 percent hard-hit rate and a 3.5 percent barrel rate which placed him in the fourth and ninth percentiles respectively. Across a career-high 147 contests last season, Schanuel held a .250/.343/.362 line with 13 home runs and 10 stolen bases. However, despite the modest power outputs, the Florida Atlantic showed a strong eye at the plate as he drew walks at an 11.2 percent rate and only struck out at a 17.0 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect Schanuel to operate as the starting first baseman in Los Angeles and could be worth a look in deeper formats if he shows power improvement during spring training.

MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports that Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell (oblique) and first baseman Nolan Schanuel (leg) are both scheduled to play in the team's Cactus League opener on Saturday against the division-rival Seattle Mariners. Adell is fully recovered from the left-oblique strain that caused him to end last season on the injured list. The 25-year-old will be fully ready for Opening Day and will be competing with Mickey Moniak for regular playing time in center field this year in Anaheim with Mike Trout (knee) moving to right field regularly. Adell isn't going to help anyone in the batting average department, but his mix of power and speed is worth taking a chance on for outfield depth in fantasy. Schanuel dealt with a bruised right leg to end last season but is also fully healthy and ready to go. The 23-year-old lefty lacks the power to be considered a realistic option in shallow mixed fantasy leagues.

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel fouled a ball off of his right shin during the first inning of Wednesday's road contest versus the White Sox. The 22-year-old would later strike out in the at-bat but would be done for the night after that. Brandon Drury entered the game for Schanuel and for now, he is being considered day-to-day with what is being called a lower leg contusion. Schanuel had been hitting well in September, with a hitless game on Tuesday ending a 13-game hit streak. If this is the former first-round draft pick's final game of 2024, he finishes with a .251-13-54-62-10 line in 606 plate appearances.