Los Angeles Angels: Three reasons to start making moves this offseason
The Los Angeles Angels have picked their spots so far this offseason, but they have plenty more to accomplish to alert MLB contenders before March.
The San Diego Padres and New York Mets have followed through on their ambitious offseason plans. Is it now the Los Angeles Angels‘ turn to dominate the headlines? It needs to be.
The Angels are coming off yet another disappointing season, albeit a short one. Their 26-34 record was good for fourth place in the American League West. Their 4.63 bullpen ERA ranked 22nd in MLB, and their 5.52 starting pitching ERA ranked 29th.
LA’s pitching has plenty to overcome, but the front office at least addressed the team’s bullpen woes by acquiring closer Raisel Iglesias from the Cincinnati Reds. Add an intriguing trade for shortstop Jose Iglesias and the Halos’ offseason is practically recapped.
Their offense is too talented, and their pocketbooks too committed to press pause after two strong moves. Here are three more principal reasons for the Angels to engage hyperactively over the next six weeks.
The Los Angeles Angels can take advantage of a stagnant division
A boisterous offseason from the Los Angeles Angels would separate them from their AL West opponents, all of which have stayed relatively quiet since the end of the season.
The Texas Rangers have been the most active; however, they’re heading in the direction opposite of competitive. The Seattle Mariners are finally in “let’s see what we have” mode; the Oakland Athletics are payroll-stricken as usual; and the Houston Astros seem content with moving on from George Springer, Michael Brantley, Josh Reddick, and Roberto Osuna.
Is the division up for grabs? If not, then it’s at least more accessible than in years past. Los Angeles is two or three notable transactions away from catapulting themselves into the mix of AL West contenders.
Scanning the rest of the league, AL East teams continue to sit on their hands, except for the Tampa Bay Rays, who are retooling after reaching the World Series. The Cleveland Indians could still ride their pitching to a Wildcard out of the AL Central, but they are a shadow of themselves without Francisco Lindor. The Chicago White Sox wisely added SP Lance Lynn and RF Adam Eaton, while the Minnesota Twins remain silent.
Look around – there aren’t many teams trying to get better in the American League. Thus, there is an opportunity for the Los Angeles Angels.
The market aligns with the Los Angeles Angels’ tastes
Relievers dominate this year’s free agent market. Top-end arms such as Liam Hendriks, Kirby Yates, Archie Bradley, and Alex Colome remain available. The Los Angeles Angels can start with that collection of late-inning studs; though, they should also look for a reliable southpaw or two to improve their MLB-worst 5.84 ERA vs. left-handed hitters. Qualified candidates include Aaron Loup, Brad Hand, and Sean Doolittle.
The Halos need an ace as badly as Justin Turner needs to shave. It just so happens that the reigning National League Cy Young is a free agent. He also happens to be a California native and a UCLA alum. Yes, we’re talking about Trevor Bauer.
There has not been much movement on the Bauer front. The 29-year-old has not named his price – at least not publicly – or his preferred destinations. He’s teased his preferences only through social media, a method that must be driving fan bases nuts!
Bauer would be a dream signing for the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels will undoubtedly negotiate with him – if they aren’t already – but the question is, can they meet his contract demands?
If they can’t land Bauer, they could pursue one of Bauer’s former staff members with the Reds via trade. The Reds have made both Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray available.
Finally, Los Angeles could use a proven catcher, something they haven’t had for quite some time. According to MLB Trade Rumors, they’re making a run at Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, who won’t become a free agent until after the 2022 season. Of course, J.T. Realmuto, the best catcher in the game, has yet to sign with a team.
The Los Angeles Angels have the right players in their sites. They just have to find a way to bring those players in.
The Los Angeles Angels must get Mike Trout to the playoffs
Start the broken record. Los Angeles has reached the postseason one time (2014) in Mike Trout‘s 10-year career. Trout has not won a playoff series. Trout has not won a playoff game.
Possessing far and away the best player in Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Angels’ constant shortcomings are unacceptable. They have done nothing – nothing – of note with a generational player. It’s time they break these depressing narratives and get their man and their team to October.
They need pitching, above all else. Adding J.T. Realmuto or Willson Contreras would be nice, but one more great bat won’t make up for the crooked numbers allowed by the Angel pitching staff.
The Halos should relentlessly pursue Trevor Bauer, as they desperately desire a #1 pitcher who has tremendous confidence in himself, is durable, and can stack up swings and misses. No more tentative moves for guys like Trevor Cahill, Julio Teheran, Matt Harvey.
Next. Middleton shares racist attacks received via DM. dark
Land Bauer, sign a couple of affordable relievers, and consider trading for a trustworthy #3 starting pitcher. Make the moves to get Mike Trout to the postseason in 2021.