Angels on Brink of First 100-Loss Season and Historic Saves Drought
Published · Updated
Cited: Yahoo Sports, Lyndy's Sports Annuals, Yardbarker
TL;DR
The Angels need to go 5-5 in their final 10 games to avoid their first 100-loss season, while also trying to prevent becoming the first team in 52 years without a pitcher recording five saves.
Why now
With 10 games remaining in the 2026 season, the Angels are on the verge of two historic failures: a franchise-first 100-loss season and a saves drought unseen since 1974, making this a unique moment in MLB history.
Agree / conflict
Some argue that the Angels' long-standing streak of avoiding 100 losses is misleading because they have had many mediocre seasons; others see it as a testament to never being completely awful.
Takeaway
500 opponents but struggles with bullpen depth.
The Los Angeles Angels enter the final 10 games of the 2026 season with two historic ignominies looming: their first-ever 100-loss campaign and a bizarre saves drought unseen in over 50 years. With a 58-94 record, they need to go 5-5 against the Twins, A's, and Mariners to avoid triple-digit losses—a mark the franchise has never reached in 66 years. Meanwhile, no current Angel has more than four saves, and the co-leaders were released midseason. The team has blown nine leads in the ninth inning, tying an all-time record, making the saves drought a real possibility. The schedule is forgiving, but the Angels have played poorly against these same teams. The 1974 Angels are the last team to finish a full season without a five-save pitcher, and this year's squad is in danger of repeating that oddity. Both milestones are within reach of being avoided, but recent performance offers little confidence.
FAQ
Why have the Angels never lost 100 games before?
Despite being a franchise often associated with underachievement, the Angels have always managed to avoid triple-digit losses. Their closest brush came in 2024 when they lost their final six games to finish 63-99. The team's longest losing streaks have been mitigated by last-minute surges or early-season competence.
What is the saves record the Angels are about to break?
The Angels are trying to avoid becoming the first team since 1974 to play a full 162-game season without any pitcher recording five saves. In 1974, the Angels (led by Orlando Pena's 3 saves) and the Mets (led by Harry Parker's 4 saves) were the only two teams to do so.
Could the Angels avoid both milestones?
Yes, but it's tight. They need 5 wins in 10 games to avoid 100 losses, and they need one of their current relievers to pick up one more save. The schedule is favorable, but the bullpen's inconsistency makes either outcome uncertain.
Who are the current Angels save leaders?
As of mid-September, no active Angel has more than 4 saves. Jordan Romano and Ryan Zeferjahn each had 4 but are no longer with the team. Among current players, the saves leader is likely a reliever with fewer than 3.
How rare is it to not have a pitcher with 5 saves?
Extremely rare. Even in the 60-game pandemic season of 2020, 26 of 30 teams had a pitcher with at least 5 saves. The only teams without one were the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Rangers, and Royals—all of whom had multiple relievers with 3-4 saves.
Sources
Canonical URL: /trend/2026/angels-on-brink-of-first-100-loss-season-and-historic-saves-drought
Disclaimer
Digests summarize public sources. They are not advice, forecasts, or a complete record of every trend.
This digest was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This digest may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.