The Los Angeles Angels are working to rebuild their roster into a contender after losing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to the L.A. Dodgers in December. They are yet to make any major moves in free agency or trade, but most of the major targets remain available. In the meantime, the Angels would be wise to look at some smaller moves that could pay off in the long-term, and that’s what they hope they can find in right-hander Zach Plesac.
Plesac, 28, was not tendered a contract and was granted free agency by the Cleveland Guardians as he prepared to enter his final year of arbitration and his sixth Major League season. Plesac has had an up and down first five seasons in MLB, ranging from a 2.28 ERA in 55.1 innings during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season to a 7.59 ERA in 21.1 innings last season.
Now, he’ll reportedly have a chance to get back to where he was a few years ago with the Angels, as the two sides are rumored to be in agreement on a Major League contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post and Robert Murray of Fansided:
Angels have a deal done with Zach Plesac @ByRobertMurray 1st said “close”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 31, 2023
This will be a major-league contract for Plesac. https://t.co/R0AWCVZwhX
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) December 31, 2023
The Angels have four legitimate starters in their rotation currently. Tyler Anderson, Reid Detmers, Patrick Sandoval and Griffin Canning currently make up the Halos rotation. There is not enough information to determine if the Angels are planning on Plesac to be the fifth starter, or if he’ll join a host of players that jump between the bullpen and the rotation.
Given that Plesac is coming off of his worst season as a pro and his a couple years removed from his best work, it’s unlikely the Angels gave any promises as to what his role would be in 2024. But, since he is only 28, there remains a chance that Plesac can rediscover what made him such an intriguing young piece between 2019 and 2022.
Angels eyeing J.D. Martinez
Another free agent that the Angels have checked in on is former Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez. If the Angels choose to have an every day DH instead of a DH by committee, Martinez would be a natural fit after having a bounce-back season in L.A. The New York Mets were also rumored as a team with interest in Martinez.