Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are not a very good baseball team, and everyone seems to know it other than the Halos themselves. When trade speculation, as frivolous as it may be, about Mike Trout is being discussed on a national level, it is typically a sign of a team in trouble. Los Angeles has the fifth highest payroll in the majors, yet has lost more games than the $72 million Marlins. Their farm system is far and away the worst in the league, and they have nine players with contracts expiring at the end of the season.
In other words, it’s time to rebuild. While guys like Trout and Albert Pujols aren’t going anywhere, the Angels have plenty of names that can and should be put on the trade block. Yunel Escobar is batting .313/.370/.413 since the start of the 2015 season, and has experience all over the infield. He may not be the best glove capable of holding down third base, but his high walk rate and batting average is enticing for any team looking to bolster their lineup.
Next: Top relievers on trade block
Huston Street could join Ziegler in the lower-tier closer category, not garnering a large return but a solid option at the back-end of the ‘pen. If Tim Lincecum’s first start back is any indication, the Angels could have a front-line starter at their disposal as well. It’s not easy for a team with the best player in baseball to throw in the towel, but the Angels’ front office has made it difficult to imagine them doing anything other than selling at the trade deadline.