{"id":330498,"date":"2026-05-24T13:26:25","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T13:26:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/330498\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T13:26:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T13:26:25","slug":"anaheim-native-wade-mecklers-big-debut-powers-angels-over-rangers-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/330498\/","title":{"rendered":"Anaheim-native Wade Meckler’s big debut powers Angels over Rangers"},"content":{"rendered":"

ANAHEIM, Calif. \u2013 Wade Meckler introduced himself to the Big A on Friday when he made a slick sliding catch in the top of the first inning to snag a foul ball down the left field line, even crashing into the wall in the process.<\/p>\n

But if that catch was how he introduced himself to his new team’s fans, the bottom of the first was how he said hello.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He took the first pitch of his Los Angeles Angels’ career, a 97.9 MPH fastball at the top of the zone from Rangers starter Jacob deGrom, and ripped it 403 feet into the right field pavilion for a three-run home run that improved the Angels to a four-run lead at the time. With it, Meckler became the first Angel to homer in their debut with the team since Mike Napoli did so on May 4, 2006.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“It was sick. That’s an awesome homer for him, first one at that,” Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe said. “The energy he brought in Spring Training is contagious. [He] picked up right where he left off with the boys tonight. Happy he’s here.”<\/p>\n

Meckler\u00a0was called up<\/a> just before Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers, a game the Angels won 9-6 after an offensive onslaught that Meckler largely set the tone for, after outfielder Josh Lowe was designated for assignment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Putting on the Halo red has a special meaning for Meckler, who grew up an Angels fan and attended Esperanza High School in Anaheim.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Meckler’s journey<\/p>\n

He was drafted in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants after a two-season career as a walk-on at Oregon State and made his Major League debut on August 3, 2023, playing 20 games at the Major League level overall during the 2023 season.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Following that season, Meckler bounced around various levels of the Minor Leagues through 2024-25 before being designated for assignment by the Giants in December 2025.<\/p>\n

“It’s pretty surreal. You grow up watching a guy every day on TV for 10 years and then all of a sudden he’s a teammate. It’s pretty cool.” \u2013 Wade Meckler, who grew up an Angels fan with Mike Trout being one of his favorite players, on Trout greeting him at the place after his HR<\/p>\n

\u2014 Jack Haslett (@JackHaslett_13) May 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

“It’s been a little bit. Spent a lot of the last couple of years injured, grinding through injuries. Just feels good to be healthy and be able to compete the way I feel like I’m capable of competing,” Meckler said. “Obviously, it’s really cool to be in the Big Leagues for your childhood team as well.”<\/p>\n

The Angels claimed Meckler off waivers in January 2026, before eventually designating him for assignment as well. Meckler cleared waivers and the Angels out-righted him to Triple-A Salt Lake, where he began his season. But after five hitless games, he was sent to Double-A Rocket City.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Once with the Trash Pandas, Meckler began to thrive, posting a .974 OPS in 27 games with four home runs and 13 RBIs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was those numbers and Meckler’s overall intensity, which he showed off well in Spring Training, that impressed manager Kurt Suzuki.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Los Angeles Angels Wade Meckler #53 runs to third base during an MLB game against The Texas Rangers on May 22nd, 2026 at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California.<\/p>\n

Jon Bryan \u2013 The Sporting Tribune<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Angels Wade Meckler #53 runs to third base during an MLB game against The Texas Rangers on May 22nd, 2026 at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California.<\/p>\n

“That’s just the way he plays,” Suzuki said of Meckler. “We know he plays the game hard. We’ve seen him play the game the way he does\u2026 I think he’s just a naturally good baseball player.”<\/p>\n

Meckler finished his stellar season debut with home run, a walk and a swinging bunt that he legged out for an infield single on the way to a run and three RBIs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There haven’t been many bright spots in the Angels’ season so far, especially not as of late, but the rise of another Anaheim-native star in Meckler might just be the boost that the team needs in a time like this.\u00a0<\/p>\n