It’s been well-noted at this point that the Los Angeles Angels have some big decisions ahead of them at the MLB Trade Deadline. Prior to July 30, the Angels must decide if they want to move on from players like Alex Cobb, Raisel Iglesias, Jose Iglesias, and other expiring contracts to bolster their farm system.
The other option is to double down on the roster they have by using their farm system to help improve their big league roster. There are plenty of talented names on the trade market that could help the Angels, but is it worthwhile for a playoff push that may fall short anyways.
Cobb — who has been one of the Angels best starting pitchers this season — believes that the team can still compete for a playoff spot. Because of that, he made it clear on Friday night that he has no interest in being traded, and wants to finish this season in Anaheim, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“Obviously, I know that’s a possibility, when you’re on an expiring contract and you’re pitching decently, that teams are going to come asking,” Cobb said. “But I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. I love it here. I would love to stay here. Right now, it’s still focusing on us winning ballgames and hopefully acquiring somebody.”
Cobb absolutely has value on the trade market right now. If the Angels decide that their 7.5-game deficit is too much to overcome, Cobb would likely be one of the first to go. However, it could carry some weight if he and other expiring contract players want to make a push this season.
The Angels are 7.5 games out of the second wild card spot. In their way are the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Oakland Athletics. They play those listed teams a combined 24 times this season, meaning if they can win most or all of those remaining series, they could have a real chance.
This is just one of the many things that Minasian has to consider before making any big decisions on July 30.
Cobb blister not serious
Cobb left Friday’s game early after suffering a blister on his right index finger. After the game — one in which the Angels lost — he assured people in the organization that he was just fine. Asking to be removed was simply a precautionary measure in case things got worse during the sixth inning.