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Predicting Los Angeles Angels’ 2017 Starting Rotation

By Tyler Nelson
May 1, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (left) speaks with catcher Geovany Soto (right) during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (left) speaks with catcher Geovany Soto (right) during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Jered Weaver

One of the greatest Angels pitchers of all time, Jered Weaver will become a free agent after the 2016 season. I don’t expect him to return to the Angels however.

At age 34, his stuff has been on a decline. His fastball cannot reach over 90 and his ERA is currently 5.06 with the Angels. Weaver aims to pitch in 2017, but don’t expect it to be with the Halos.

C.J. Wilson

Like Weaver, C.J. Wilson is set to become a free agent after the 2016 season. However, Wilson hasn’t pitched in almost two years. Having multiple injury issues has made the Wilson signing look like a bust.

Wilson is not near the capability of starting anytime soon and he is about to turn 36 years old. If anything, I expect Wilson to retire relatively soon.

Jhoulys Chacin

Jhoulys Chacin has not been a very good starting pitcher for the Angels. He is also set to be a free agent after the 2016 season. However, Chacin has been an excellent addition to the Angels’ bullpen.

I don’t expect Chacin to see any starting pitching time with the Angels. But, he has been a very solid bullpen option and the Angels could bring him back to do just that.

Nate Smith

Arguably the Angels’ best pitching prospect, there has been rumors of Nate Smith possibly seeing the starting rotation soon enough.

Unfortunately, I just don’t believe Smith is quite there yet. Smith started 26 games in AAA this year for the SLC Bees and has a record of 8-9 with an ERA of 4.61. His WHIP sits at 1.40. Not very good.

Unless Smith has a spectacular spring training, I expect him to stay in the minor leagues at the beginning of the 2017 season.

Alex Meyer

One of the more exciting players, Alex Meyer was acquired in the Hector Santiago trade and there has been a lot of buzz around Meyer.

Next: Angels wrap up season with a flourish.

So far with the Angels, he has pitched well which is very encouraging. But, Meyer is still very raw and I expect him to see sometime in the minors before he becomes a serious pitching candidate.

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