The Los Angeles Angels have some big decisions to make in the coming weeks. The MLB trade deadline is on July 30 at 3:00 p.m. PST and a spotlight will certainly be on general manager Perry Minasian, as the Angels are expected to be major sellers with a host of sought after talent like Luis Rengifo and Tyler Anderson.
The Angels opted to try and field a contending team in the offseason after the departure of Shohei Ohtani. But with injuries to Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon — and the Angels record sitting at 30-46 through 76 games — selling seems to be their only option, and their offseason moves give them plenty of ammunition to do so.
MLB writer Mark Feinsand released a list of the top 13 trade deadline targets at this point in the season and three potential fits for each player. And if there was any doubt about the Angels having deadline ammunition, it should be gone after Feinsand listed five Angels in the top 13.
Tyler Anderson, LHP, Angels
(Anderson) signed for $13 million this season and next, but given the need for rotation help around the league, the Angels figure to have suitors if they opt to move the southpaw. Anderson has been excellent of late, pitching to a 2.00 ERA in 45 innings over his past seven starts.
Potential fits: Astros, Cardinals, Red Sox
Carlos Estévez, RHP, Angels
Virtually every contender out there will be looking for bullpen help in the coming weeks, one reason the Angels should consider jumping the market with Estévez. He’s pitched in setup roles in past seasons, making him a prime trade-rental candidate for clubs seeking either a closer or a late-inning bridge to their current ninth-inning man.
Potential fits: Mariners, Royals, Yankees
Matt Moore, LHP, Angels
The Angels signed Moore to a one-year, $9 million deal on Jan. 27, and while the 35-year-old struggled during the first month and a half (7.02 ERA in 16 2/3 innings through May 20), he’s allowed just two earned runs over his past 11 innings (1.64 ERA) dating back to May 21.
Potential fits: Astros, D-backs, Royals
Kevin Pillar, OF, Angels
Pillar is owed only the league minimum. He will be a free agent after the season, and while the 35-year-old’s best days are behind him, he’s had a resurgence since joining Los Angeles, posting a .959 OPS with six homers and 25 RBIs in 33 games.
Potential fits: Braves, Orioles, Tigers
Luis Rengifo, INF, Angels
Rengifo has four homers, 20 RBIs, 18 stolen bases and a .313/.359/.428 slash line this season, and he is among the most versatile players who figure to be available this summer. Rengifo — who is earning $4.4 million this season and has one more year of arbitration eligibility — is an ideal candidate for a club seeking infield help.
Potential fits: Braves, Mariners, Twins
Two surprising players not mentioned are Jo Adell and Taylor Ward, who are seen as two prized acquisitions. However, Feinsand states that Ward’s value may be too high for the Angels to part ways with him this summer and Adell’s recent struggles could have teams souring on his long-term potential.
But if the Angels do trade some or all of Anderson, Estévez, Moore, Pillar and Rengifo, they could get a massive headstart on rebuilding their league-worst farm system.
Angels’ Patrick Sandoval on IL
The Angels placed starter Patrick Sandoval on the 15-day injured list with a left elbow strain. This is a change from the original forearm injury that removed him from last Friday’s game. At this time, it is unclear if surgery or anything else will be needed besides rest.