Los Angeles Angels: Three free agent pitching targets
By Nick Stevens
The top target of the Los Angeles Angels should be Trevor Bauer.
Let’s start with the most obvious target in Trevor Bauer. Do I think the Los Angeles Angels will eventually sign Bauer? That depends on his market and how aggressive of a GM the team brings in, but the Angels should absolutely be in the mix for this year’s top free agent pitcher.
Bauer is sure to garner a big contract this offseason, but if he remains adamant about only signing short-term deals, it’s a bit more helpful for the Angels who are currently dealing with the contracts of Albert Pujols and Justin Upton.
His off-the-field actions shouldn’t be dismissed, but it’s hard to deny his dominance on the mound. In 11 starts this season, Bauer struck out 36% of hitters he faced, held opponents to a .159 average, and owned a 0.79 WHIP in 73 innings. In his lone playoff appearance against Atlanta, Bauer tossed 7.2 scoreless innings, striking out 12 while allowing just two hits and no walks.
Bauer would give LA the top of the rotation arm this team has not had in a long time and put them in a position to make some serious noise in the AL West. It’s well past time the organization provides Mike Trout with the help he needs and going all in next year with Bauer slotted in the top spot of the rotation gets LA much closer to a World Series.