Who was the last Angels' 20 game winner?

Angels 20 Game Winner: A Look into the Past and the Future

The Los Angeles Angels last witnessed a pitcher securing 20 game wins in 1974. Nolan Ryan clinched this record, winning 21 games and leading the American League in strikeouts with a staggering 367.

It’s been over 40 years since the Angels have had an angels 20 game winner. Nolan Ryan, who last achieved this in 1974, was one among four pitchers to do so for the Angels.

Angels 20 Game Winner Summary Table

A Glimpse into the Past

Nolan Ryan's impressive performance in 1974 earned him his first Cy Young Award. However, despite his stellar contribution, the Angels finished last in the American League West with a 70-92 record.

Frank Tanana and Chuck Finley were the other two pitchers to win 20 games in a season for the Angels. They did so in 1972 and 1986 respectively.

Near Misses

In recent years, there were close calls. In 2002, Bartolo Colon won 18 games. Similarly, John Lackey also won 18 games in 2004.

Neither Colon nor Lackey reached the coveted 20-game mark. Yet, their performances were commendable.

The Hopefuls

There’s a new wave of talent that has the potential to break the angels 20 game winner drought. Reid Detmers, Shohei Ohtani, and Michael Lorenzen are names that come to mind.

Reid Detmers is a young left-hander who had a remarkable rookie season in 2022. He might just be on the path to making history.

Shohei Ohtani: A Two-Way Player

Shohei Ohtani is an electrifying two-way player. In 2021, he bagged the American League MVP award by hitting 46 home runs and striking out 156 batters.

Ohtani’s dual prowess makes him a likely candidate to break the 20 game winner jinx if he maintains his form.

Michael Lorenzen: A Seasoned Campaigner

Michael Lorenzen, a right-handed pitcher, joined the Angels in 2022. With a career record of 72-59, Lorenzen is a versatile pitcher.

If Lorenzen can stay injury-free and consistent, 2023 might just be the year an Angels pitcher wins 20 games again.

Concluding Thoughts

The Los Angeles Angels are ripe for a new angels 20 game winner. With promising talents like Detmers, Ohtani, and Lorenzen, it’s not far-fetched to think that the over 40-year drought might soon be over.

A dominant season from any of these pitchers could be the catalyst the Angels need to propel them to a World Series title.

FAQs

Q: When was the last time the Angels had a 20 game winner?
A: The last time the Angels had a 20 game winner was in 1974 when Nolan Ryan won 21 games.

Q: How many Angels pitchers have won 20 games in a season?
A: The Angels have had a total of 4 pitchers win 20 games in a season.

Q: Who are the current pitchers with the potential to win 20 games for the Angels?
A: The current pitchers with the potential to win 20 games for the Angels are Reid Detmers, Shohei Ohtani, and Michael Lorenzen.

Q: Has Shohei Ohtani won 20 games in a season for the Angels?
A: No, Shohei Ohtani has not yet won 20 games in a season for the Angels, but he is considered one of the promising talents who has the potential to achieve this feat.