As the offseason slowly unfolds, the Los Angeles Angels are reportedly checking in around the league with teams who are looking to trade some of their moveable assets, mainly in the pitching market.
The Angels were incredibly fortunate to have a starting rotation that highlighted their solid core of young, controllable starting pitching, headed by Shohei Ohtani’s incredible season, they received a ton of production from Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, and Jose Suarez. They ranked second in total fWAR at 15.3, behind the World Series Champion, Houston Astros(19.4).
General manager Perry Minasian has been vocal about trusting his young arms, and the Astros success deep into the postseason showcased the importance of filling up rotations with as much firepower as possible. With a deadline to tender contracts coming up on Tuesday, the Angels are among those looking to add some arms.
Sources: Mets, Cubs, and Reds have been in touch with the #Rays about their available pitching. The Angels have shown interest, too, as previously reported. @MLBNetwork @MLB https://t.co/WToEdP5PYf
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 14, 2022
Given their value to the Angels, their starting pitching underwhelmed in the walk category, with 3.35 walks-per-nine and they somehow managed to perform as well as they did. Their bullpen is where they struggled, ranking 13th in the American League.
If Minasian does make a move for available arms, he’d be wise to acquire cost-controlled pitchers who grade out incredibly well where it matters, but they’re victims of needing minor adjustments or are simply out of options, or are non-tender candidates.
Angels interested in free agent starting pitcher, Tyler Anderson
The Angels could certainly benefit from a veteran starter, like Tyler Anderson who is on the open market.
Anderson had a special season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting career lows in ERA(2.57), and FIP(3.31) while walking just 1.71 batters per nine innings. His ability to limit hard contact made him one of Major League Baseball’s most surprising breakout players, and his 15-5 record was a cherry on top.
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