Los Angeles Angels: Best Offseason Transactions This Winter
By Tim Boyle
The Los Angeles Angels’ offseason was a very productive one with some big changes. Which were the three best transactions?
A year without Mike Trout in the postseason is a year wasted. To ensure another season void of the playoffs doesn’t take place, the Los Angeles Angels’ offseason transactions were heavy on improving their odds in 2017. While it may not have been enough, they are definitely much better.
The Angels finished the 2016 season well below expectations. The starting rotation battled injuries and the starting lineup had more than a few holes. Their 74-88 record landed them the fourth position in the difficult American League West. Things could be better in 2017 thanks to a much more active winter.
We will see a much different Angels roster this year. C.J. Wilson has retired to become a racecar driver and Jered Weaver will pitch for the San Diego Padres. They are probably still another year away from making a serious run. However, they are still headed down the path to contention. Three specific transactions this offseason could speed things along and make the Angels a surprise team in 2017.
An honorable mention goes to the Angels’ decision to not sign free agent catcher Matt Wieters. The veteran catcher signed a two-year deal with the Washington Nationals for more money than he was worth. The Angels looked like one landing spot for him. Wisely, the Angels avoided him.
Additionally, the Angels avoided other big contracts, too. There were no major deals handed out which could potentially handicap them for years. Instead, the Angels filled holes.
The Angels’ offseason was not very loud, but there was plenty of chatter. From it came these three transactions which rank as their best of the winter.