Los Angeles Angels: Is Jered Weaver a trade chip?
By Jason Evans
With the Los Angeles Angels now 11 games out of a playoff spot they could trade off some of their pieces. Could one be Jered Weaver?
Drew Pomeranz has already been dealt. Rich Hill is having blister issues. Chris Archer isn’t available. The Los Angeles Angels have arguably the worst farm system in baseball and need prospects. Any they can get at this point. One piece that they could dangle in the trade market is veteran right-handed pitcher Jered Weaver.
Jered Weaver, a FA after this year, becoming an intriguing trade candidate. Back to back quality starts. He does have full no-trade. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 18, 2016
Weaver lacks power stuff but can provide innings on most nights. Comparison is Freddy Garcia, who was solid in '11 and '13 playoffs.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 18, 2016
Per MLBTradeRumors, Weaver is owed $7.2 million the rest of the way this year and if they were to market him, maybe they get a better prospect if they eat some of the money. The first question though is would Weaver waive his no trade clause.
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If he does, the way Weaver has been pitching of late, he could certainly help a team get to the postseason. He’s 8-7 this year with a 5.02 ERA and he’s only struck out 60 batters in over 100 innings. However, so far this month, he’s 2-0 with with a 1.38 ERA. Per Brooks Baseball, his fastball velocity is down to 83 MPH on average. Teams are going to need guys who can eat innings down the stretch of a season, and Weaver is certainly a guy who’s capable of that. He’s been there and done that before.
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Maybe he waives his clause to go to a west coast team? Maybe he wants a chance at a ring this year? With the Angels not going anywhere, if the team can convince Weaver to do so, I think it would be in the interest of both parties.