Los Angeles Angels: Three reasons to start making moves this offseason

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.