The Angels need to add to their current roster to take advantage of Mike Trout’s prime
The Angels are still looking to get back to the playoffs and they need to acquire talent to take advantage of having Mike Trout. Their main issue right now is the pitching rotation, but they could certainly use the help on offense.
The Angels could replace Albert Pujols, who has regressed in his old age, with Josh Bell at first base while also having Bell as the DH along with Shohei Ohtani. But, this trade not only includes Bell but also includes one of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ best pitchers in Joe Musgrove.
Musgrove had a 3.86 ERA last season and has a career 4.33 ERA in his 5-year career. Since he has two years until he is a free agent just like Bell, and has a proven track record of being a consistent starting pitcher, he is really the reason that the Angels will give up so much in this trade.
The centerpiece of the trade for the Pittsburgh Pirates will be the 75th ranked prospect in the MLB Brandon Marsh. Marsh is the Angels top prospect but because of their crowded outfield, they will be ok parting with Marsh in favor of an All-Star hitter and a solid middle of the rotation pitcher.
D’Shawn Knowles is the Angels number 8 prospect and is capable of playing the Outfield and middle infield. He’s just 19 and is not projected to be in the majors for some time, so there will be time for him to figure out his natural position and the Pirates will be willing to take the chance on him finding his bat, while the Angels will be fine with sending him away since he will not be in the majors for a few years.
Hector Yan is a 21-year-old left-handed starting pitcher that could end up being a steal for the Pittsburgh Pirates in this trade. His low 90’s fastball has gotten better every year in the minors and he has a curveball that could make him a great starter in the MLB. However, he is only the Angels 11th ranked prospect and is still a work in progress with some inconsistent play in the minors.