Los Angeles Angels can set up future at trade deadline

The Los Angeles Angels find themselves in an interesting spot as the trade deadline approaches. At .500 heading into Sunday, the Angels are hanging on the periphery of the playoff picture, both in the AL West and the Wild Card chase. However, with the likes of Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout expected back in the somewhat near future, the Angels could find their way back into contension.

With that in mind, the Angels are not ruling out becoming buyers at the trade deadline. General manager Perry Minasian said that if the team is close, they will look to add to the roster.

Los Angeles Angels have opportunity to help future of team

The Angels place in the standings truly should not matter at this point. They have been one of the biggest disappointments in the game over the past few years, done in by a lack of pitching. Their ongoing attempts to patch the pitching staff with one year deals has failed, and yet, they continue that same approach.

For what it was worth, the Angels had tried to bring in a top of the rotation arm. They made a competitive offer on Gerrit Cole, only to see him sign in New York. Shohei Ohtani could be an ace, and has performed as one at times this season, but the Angels need far more than one arm.

This could be an opportunity for the front office to do what they have been unable to in free agency – land a top of the rotation arm. Should a solid second starter type with years of team control come available, it would behoove the Angels to make an effort to bring them in for the coming years.

Likewise, the Angels could take the same approach with the bullpen. Raisel Iglesias has been solid enough as their closer, but is a free agent after this season. Adding some pieces to the bullpen that remain under team control beyond this year, even if they are in a setup role, would be beneficial.

There are pieces coming. The Angels have prospects such as Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh who are close to the majors. Chris Rodriguez performed reasonably well as a reliever before being sent to the minors to be stretched out for a role in the rotation. It is just a matter of landing those pieces in the pitching staff that can put them over the top.

The Los Angeles Angels could be buyers at the trade deadline. If they want to improve their team for the future, this could be the perfect time.