Prior to the 99-day lockout, Perry Minasian and the Los Angeles Angels did some work to address a pitching staff that lacked any significant depth in 2021. In addition to re-signing Raisel Iglesias, the Angels brought in Noah Syndergaard, Aaron Loup, and Michael Lorenzen.
The Angels haven’t made any significant moves at the plate or in the field, as they’re hopeful that a healthy Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon will be all they need. But since the lockout, the Angels have been eerily quiet on the free agent and trade market.
They’ve made just one move on their big league roster, re-signing veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki to back up Max Stassi. Meanwhile, nearly all of the quality free agent pitchers have found homes, and the trade market is slowly dwindling as well.
Even still, Trout — who has long been open about his desire to win with the Angels — believes that Minasian is not done making moves, according to Jeff Fletcher of The O.C. Register:
“I’m fully confident in Perry,” Trout said. “He’s obviously not done. Great additions before the lockout. … Perry wants to win. I talk to him about it every day. Every chance he has to bring someone else in to help this team get better, he’s going to do it.”
Trout was complimentary of the moves made to bolster the pitching staff. However, even Trout would have to agree that things feel incomplete on the Angels roster. Syndergaard, Lorenzen, and Loup are great players, but their depth in the rotation and the bullpen remains an issue, and the team is still without a starting-caliber shortstop.
To some, the radio silence from the Angels could be a signal for a big move to come. Perhaps a trade for Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Castillo, who they showed interest in before the lockout, is in the works. Or Carlos Correa — who remains a free agent — could settle in Anaheim.
But sometimes, silence just means silence. It won’t be known for another week or so what the Angels feel they need to accomplish before Opening Day. If they make no moves, they clearly feel comfortable with what they have. But if Trout gets it his way, at least one more big move would be in store.
Trout wants to stay in center field
Despite Joe Maddon hinting that Trout could be moved to a corner outfield spot to preserve his long-term health, Trout reiterated a desire to stay in center field. If Trout wants to play in the game’s most premier defensive position, the Angels would be inclined to let him do so.
In the meantime, they’ll have the high-potential defensive star Brandon Marsh ready and waiting.