Oftentimes, when discussing the MLB Trade Deadline, it’s done from the team perspective and who they need to move to improve as a franchise. The player side is usually forgotten. The fact that a trade could mean having to move a family across the country at a moment’s notice or a player leaving a clubhouse they loved.
This summer, the Los Angeles Angels were seen as heavy sellers. At a time, it looked as though most of their core players could get dealt by the end of July. Chiefly among those rumored names was starting pitcher Tyler Anderson, who was seen to have value league-wide after his second All-Star selection.
But the Angels only ended up trading a pair of expiring relievers — Carlos Estévez and Luis Garcia — leaving Anderson on the roster. While the move was not seen as prudent for the team’s long-term success, Anderson was certainly happy to stick around the organization, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“It means a lot to me,” Anderson said. “I like to be here. I like everyone here. I love this place. I love all my teammates. I’m just glad to be here.”
Despite the fact that the Angels are not going to contend for a postseason spot this year or possibly any time soon, there seems to be a positive feeling in the clubhouse. Players were happy to not be dealt and general manager Perry Minasian was even hesitant to deal Estévez and Garcia because of their impact on the roster.
What’s best for the team generally has to come first in situations like this. But if the Angels didn’t get an overwhelmingly positive deal for players like Anderson, they can take comfort in knowing that the clubhouse will be a positive place for the last two months of the season.
Angels lose Mike Trout after MLB Trade Deadline
After the deadline had come and gone, it was announced that Angels superstar Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the season after an MRI revealed a second tear in the same meniscus that he injured earlier this season. The injury is a crushing blow for Trout, who was hoping to return this season, and another massive notch in a growing list of ailments for the star.