With just hours before the looming MLB trade deadline, the Los Angeles Angels have yet to make any moves. They remain baseball’s biggest question mark in terms of becoming buyers or sellers, and appear to be waiting until the last possible moment to make that determination.
If they do decide to sell, then closer Raisel Iglesias, shortstop Jose Iglesias, and starters Alex Cobb and Andrew Heaney are likely the best bets to be dealt. Iglesias could be a part of a dazzling bullpen class potentially being dealt on Friday, headlined by Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel.
Kimbrel is undoubtedly the top prize on this market, and has been tied to virtually every single contender. However, it’s possible that Iglesias could be a top back-up option for any team that strikes out on the Cubs star, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Expecting massive run on relievers today. One to watch: Angels closer Raisel Iglesias. Potential free agent, 71Ks, 8 BBs, 3.23 ERA in 47.1 IP. Best alternative to Kimbrel.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2021
The Angels have kept their deadline plans extremely quiet, as Iglesias has not even been tied to any teams. However, this rumor is simply stating that — should the Angels decide to deal him — Iglesias could have a big market.
It’s possible that the Angels have no plans to deal anyone and could, in turn, become buyers. However, Thursday’s disappointing loss to the Oakland Athletics maybe changes things a little bit. The other option is that the Angels are waiting for Kimbrel to be traded.
Once Kimbrel is dealt, L.A. can get a sense for what Iglesias’ return might look like, then decide from there if that’s worth waving the white flag on the 2021 season. Trading Iglesias would most definitely be seen as an admission that the team has no plans to contend in 2021.
Cobb believes in Angels ability to contend
One of the Angels main trade pieces — Cobb — has made his thoughts on that idea very well known. He has already stated on multiple occasions that he does not want to be traded, and believes the Angels are just a couple pieces away from making a big run.
By 1:00 p.m. on Friday, it will be known if general manager Perry Minasian agrees with him or not.
