The Los Angeles Angels are still searching for the final pieces to build out their 2024 roster. They have already made significant strides to improve the bullpen, but have remained relatively dormant elsewhere. This is especially true of the starting rotation, which could explain why the Halos might reportedly turn to Domingo Germán.
Germán, 31, is entering his seventh MLB season after spending his first six with the New York Yankees. While he has never been named an All-Star, he has been consistent within the Yankees rotation. He joined the starters in 2018 and has posted an ERA+ between 94 and 110 in four of five years. Last season, he had a 4.56 ERA, 1.077 WHIP and 114 strikeouts in 108.2 innings.
He threw a perfect game against the Oakland Athletics on June 28.
The Angels have reportedly recognized what Germán could bring to the starting rotation and have met with him several times already this offseason, according to Mike Rodriguez of MLB Deportes:
Source: Several teams interested in Domingo Germán. Germán has met several times with the #Angels and the #Pirates who aim to be one of the finalists. #DomingoGerman. pic.twitter.com/iRcK7Fv20R
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) February 12, 2024
Germán would be a solid fit within the Angels rotation as a No. 5 pitcher, as he has tossed 85 or more innings in four of his last five seasons. Getting that kind of consistency at the back end of the rotation would be a victory for L.A. However, signing Germán would not be without its controversies.
In September of 2019, Germán became physically violent with his girlfriend both during and after an MLB-sanctioned event alongside Yankees teammates. The incident was reported to MLB, but Germán’s girlfriend never went to authorities. The domestic violence earned him an 81-game league suspension, but he never faced legal trouble.
There were also reports of Germán facing more domestic abuse charges in 2023, but no investigation was ever opened.
If the Angels are serious in their pursuit of Germán, they have to decide if his talent is worth the risk of him committing an act of violence again or if it’s worth the controversy of having him on the roster at all after two potential incidents.
Angels entering 2024 with five-man rotation
As things stand, the Angels are planning to head into the 2024 campaign with a five-man starting rotation of Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, Tyler Anderson, Griffin Canning and Chase Silseth. Of course, injuries and free agent signings could change this plan, but this is how things stand with Spring Training set to begin.