After dominating the American League West this season, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are seemingly unwilling to sit pat, which should come as little surprise given the club’s premature departure from the postseason.
According to a report from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the team is willing to deal left-hander C.J. Wilson this offseason, as it looks to build – potentially adding one of the top free agent starting pitchers in the process.
"Wilson seemed to lose favor from some quarters of the organization when he capped a poor second half by allowing three first-inning runs in the decisive Game 3 ALDS loss to he Royals, and it wasn’t a good sign of faith when legendary Angels manager Mike Scioscia removed him after only 2/3 of an inning in the biggest game of the year."
Last year, the southpaw took a big step backward, despite an annual salary of $16 million. In 31 starts totaling 175 2/3 innings of work, Wilson pitched to a 4.51 ERA, 1.446 WHIP and 4.31 FIP – a far cry from his 2013 performance, where his numbers were better across the board (3.39 ERA, 1.342 WHIP and 3.51 FIP in 212 1/3 innings). Next season, the left-hander will see his pay rise to $18 million – only worsening the prospects of a trade.
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Wilson, a two-time All-Star, has two more seasons left on his contract with the Angels. Trading Wilson, as Heyman points out, could clear the way for the acquisition of a top-tier starting pitcher such as Max Scherzer or James Shields. However, in addition to several options on the free agent market, several teams have made pitching available via trade, which could dim the prospects of the Angels dealing Wilson even further this offseason.
"But with all the excellent starting pitching available, especially via trade — from three Padres starters to possibly a few of four Reds starters to possibly Nats stars Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister, Tigers star David Price and Rick Porcello, potentially Phillies star Cole Hamels, and more — it’s a jammed market."
Aside from Wilson, Los Angeles heads into the 2015 season with Jered Weaver, Garrett Richards, Matt Shoemaker and Hector Santiago, as well as several other lesser options. The 34-year-old southpaw is currently slotted in as the team’s number two arm, and with four 200-inning seasons in the last five years, he represents an innings-eater at the very least.