Free agency
Unable to come to terms with Ohtani on an extension, the Los Angeles Angels focused their free agency efforts on a host of second-tier additions. They signed or extended 11 interchangeable pieces, the net impact to date turning out to be modestly harmful.
From a performance standpoint, easily the most impactful move was the signing of former Dodger starter Tyler Anderson for three years at $39 million. Half a season into that deal, it’s not looking good for Minasian or his Angels.
Anderson is 4-2 in 14 starts, but with a problematic 5.54 ERA. The only thing that’s saved Anderson is an offense averaging nearly six runs per game when he takes the mound. His pitching line translates to a -1.0 WAA.
In sum, Minasian made 11 free agent-related moves fleshing out the Angels roster, and they have virtually broken even: Five were positive, five negative, one neutral and the net impact is -0.3 WAA.
On the other hand, eight members of the 2022 Angels roster were released or lost to free agency only to catch on with other teams. Â But again, the impact has been at the margins. As measured by WAA, none of the eight impacted their new clubs by more than half a game, the total impact being -0.5. That negative score on free agent losses is a good thing for MInasian and the Angels.