The Los Angeles Angels made one of the big early splashes of the MLB trade deadline by dealing closer Carlos Estévez to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for pitchers George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri. The two minor leaguers now rank No. 3 and No. 8 within the Angels depleted farm system.
It was a great first trade and an early haul that signified a heavy sellers market. Many thought the Angels would take advantage of this by trading a few other highly sought-after pieces. That list included starting pitcher Tyler Anderson, relievers Matt Moore and Luis Garcia, infielder Luis Rengifo and outfielder Taylor Ward.
Of this group, only Garcia found his way to another team, as it was announced right at the deadline buzzer that he would be traded to the Boston Red Sox, via Jon Heyman of The New York Post:
Luis Garcia goes from Angels to red Sox
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 30, 2024
It’s unclear at this time who the Angels are receiving from the Red Sox for Garcia, but it is unlikely to be a prospect that lands in the top of the organization. Garcia was the Angels’ presumptive closer after the Estévez deal, but that role now shifts to first-time closer Ben Joyce, who is expected to take over closer duties for the remainder of 2024.
The Angels made one other minor move, adding reliever Mike Baumann from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations.
The #Angels have acquired RHP Mike Baumann from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash considerations.
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) July 30, 2024
Baumann, 28, is a solid addition for the Angels. He has not had the best 2024 campaign, having already played for three different teams (Giants, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles) but he is less than one year removed from a great season.
In 2023 for the Orioles, Baumann posted a 3.76 ERA and 1.314 WHIP in 64.2 innings out of the bullpen. He struck out 61 batters and had a 109 ERA+. As far as relief acquisitions go, it’s a low-risk and decent reward move for L.A.
But they remained quiet elsewhere, which could easily be seen as a failure for a team that desperately needed to replenish their farm system. They added two quality prospects in Klassen and Aldegheri, but that won’t be enough to change L.A.’s fortunes any time soon.
Given the prices for pitching, Anderson and Moore could have easily been dealt for above market value. Now, the Angels hold on to those players in what is a lost season. Perhaps the offseason will be another chance for the Angels to firmly commit to a rebuild.
Angels bullpen after trade deadline
The only part of the Angels roster affected for the 2024 season at the trade deadline was the bullpen. So below, we take a look at the players that should lead the way for L.A. in the relief crew for the rest of the season.
Ben Joyce (CL)
Jose Quijada
Mike Baumann
Matt Moore
Hunter Strickland
Roansy Contreras
Hans Crouse
Jose Marte
Davis Daniel