The Los Angeles Angels made a splash in free agency on Tuesday by adding Tyler Anderson to their starting rotation, and reports say they’ve shown interest in Kodai Senga of the SoftBank Hawks in the NPB.
The 29-year-old will turn 30 in January, showcased his talent during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, posting an ERA of 0.82 with 16 strikeouts in 11 innings, and since that time has served as one of the aces for the Hawks. After refusing to post Senga in the past few years, he’s finally available for Major League Baseball teams to sign him as a new international free agent.
He showcases a four-pitch mix that is highlighted by an upper-90s four-seam fastball, and a devasting splitter that is nicknamed the “ghost fork.” The Angels would be wise to add a former teammate of Ohtani to their rotation, and they’ve at least inquired about that possibility.
Sources: #Angels among teams that have checked in on free agent Kodai Senga, joining the #Dodgers and #Rangers, among others, as previously reported. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 12, 2022
Adding to a rotation of Ohtani, Anderson, Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, and Jose Suarez, would provide the length they require and give them another reliable veteran option.
General manager Perry Minasian has made pitching a priority early on in the free agent process and doesn’t appear as if he is finished making moves to shore up the Angels’ second-rated starting rotation according to fWAR.
Kodai Senga would help ‘raise the floor’ with Angels roster
Finishing near the bottom in many offensive categories, Minasian is banking on a return to form from Anthony Rendon, Taylor Ward, and David Fletcher, but he’s made comments and has expressed interest in adding to the infield depth with this year’s free-agent class.
Their top-rated, young starting staff is a strength of their club, and Senga coupled with Ohtani and Anderson at the front end would be a fantastic front three.
Minasian has made it a point that the Angels have enough premier talent that their plans are to bring the rest of the roster up to a baseline level that starts with quality major league players.
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