3 players for Los Angeles Angels to target this offseason

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This is going to be a strange offseason for the Los Angeles Angels.

Typically, the Angels would be spending somewhat frivolously in a desperate attempt to return to the postseason for the first time since 2014. There is a great deal of pressure on the franchise, especially as Shohei Ohtani is a year away from free agency and Mike Trout is getting older. However, Arte Moreno is looking to sell the team, making it unlikely that they will be shopping at the top of the market this offseason.

Three players for Los Angeles Angels to target

Those potential spending restraints aside, that does not change the fact that the Angels need a lot of work. They could use another arm or two in the rotation, a great deal of help in the bullpen, and pieces throughout the lineup. As great as Trout and Ohtani may be, they cannot carry this team by themselves. It is time that they get enough help to make a difference.

The Los Angeles Angels have a lot of work to do if they are going to contend in 2023. Let’s look at some possible targets during the offseason.

Ross Stripling

The Los Angeles Angels almost had Ross Stripling before.

Stripling and Joc Pederson were set to be sent across Los Angeles, with Luis Renfigo and a prospect heading to the Dodgers. Such a move would have given the Angels another desperately needed arm while adding a solid bat to the lineup. Instead, owner Arte Moreno got impatient as the two sides were waiting for a three team deal involving the Twins, Red Sox, and Dodgers to be finalized, canceling the deal.

The Angels have what could be a solid beginning to the rotation next year. Ohtani has emerged as a top of the rotation arm. Patrick Sandoval and Jose Suarez have displayed the potential to be middle of the rotation options. It is possible that Reid Detmers can build on a strong final three months to 2022 to join that group. However, other pieces are going to be needed, especially if the Angels decide to stick with a six man rotation.

Even if they revert to a more traditional five man rotation, they are going to need that sixth arm at times. Stripling has typically worked in a swingman role, sliding between the rotation and a long relief spot. While he had a strong showing as a starter last year for the Blue Jays, teams may be more comfortable with him in his previous role. The Angels could be his best chance to spend more time in the rotation, even if he ends up seeing time in the bullpen.

The Los Angeles Angels almost had Ross Stripling three years ago. In this case, it may be better late than never.

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Kodai Senga

The Los Angeles Angels already have one Japanese sensation atop the rotation. Why not a second?

Kodai Senga may be the most intriguing arm in the market. While he is being marketed as a top of the rotation arm, there are questions as to whether or not he can be that type of pitcher in the majors. His fastball and forkball are certainly major league quality, as is his command, but his other pitches are fringy at best. Scouts are understandably mixed on his future role, as he is viewed as ending up being anywhere between a middle of the rotation arm and a high leverage reliever.

This would make the Angels an intriguing option for Senga. They need help in both areas, as finding another top of the rotation arm to pair with Shohei Ohtani and locating high leverage arms for the bullpen have to be priorities. The Angels may be Senga’s best option at being a second starter. And, as Jon Morosi reported, they are certainly interested in bringing him on board.

Having Ohtani on board could also make a difference. His time in the majors and knowledge of the opposition would make Senga’s transition to the majors easier. Likewise, he would be someone that can help Senga navigate the more human elements to coming stateside, helping to show him the ropes and acclimate to the culture.

The Los Angeles Angels need to find another top of the rotation arm. Maybe Kodai Senga can be that player.

Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Jean Segura

In theory, the Los Angeles Angels middle infield should be in decent shape.

David Fletcher is an excellent defensive player whose glove makes up for a below average bat. Luis Renfigo had a breakout season in 2022, posting a career best 103 OPS+ with 17 homers. However, Renfigo’s 3.3% walk rate and overall soft contact means that regression is likely coming. Chances are that he will revert back to being a utility man once more.

This leaves a hole open at second once again. And it leaves another space where the Angels need to find someone capable of providing at least a competent bat in the lineup. Jean Segura may not do anything specifically great, but he also does a little bit of everything while making solid contact and getting on base at a respectable clip.

Segura is not tied to second either. He does have extensive experience at short, although it has been a few years since he had spent a great deal of time at the position. While he may not be needed at short, he could slide over for a few games over the course of the season to keep his solid production in the lineup.

The Los Angeles Angels need to add competence to their lineup. Jean Segura may not be a star, but he could be a solid piece to make their lineup better.

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