Angels looking to trade an infielder

Stay Connected to Halo Hangout

The Los Angeles Angels are looking to move an infielder to get back pitching per a report from Ken Rosenthal on Friday. Rosenthal mentions directly Howie Kendrick and David Freese as possible trade candidates.

Looking at the starting pitching and bullpen for the 2015 Angels roster, there needs to be some upgrades. The Halos are in need of a left-handed reliever and one or two starters. Garrett Richards will be coming back from surgery, so who knows what he can give the Angels early on. The backend of the rotation could use some help as well.

More from Halo Hangout

Both Kendrick and Freese are in the final year of their deals so if they are traded it will only be a short-term help for the team on the other end. That is, if they don’t look to sign one of them long term.

Rosenthal mentions it and I agree that Kendrick would be the easier one to move at this point. He is coming off his best season in this decade and Freese is the complete opposite. Freese has been a great postseason hitter but he hasn’t been consistent enough to be worthy of a huge contract once this one ends.

The Angels have Grant Green waiting in the wings if Kendrick does get moved. He won’t put up the offensive numbers like Kendrick but his defense won’t kill the Angels, as he gets more innings. Also looking at third base it will be hard to replace Freese with this deal, unless Jerry Dipoto is looking to make another trade. Gordon Beckham could be an option if Freese is dealt, but that is only short term and over the course of a season his offense will not be what the Angels need.

In the end I see Kendrick being the one moved if anyone. The possible landing destinations could be the White Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Marlins, or Nationals. A more in-depth look at each of these teams will follow shortly.