LA Angels Potential Trade Options for Second Base

The LA Angels have to fill second base. That has been no secret, and the Angels need to fill it if they hope to contend in the slightest form next year.

The LA Angels second base position was very underwhelming for the in 2016. Whether it was Johnny Giavotella, Cliff Pennington, or a fill-in, the production just was not there. While one could make a claim that Jeffry Marte or Gregorio Petit could fill the position, that is unrealistic for the long term.

The Angels best course of action would be to find a second baseman who plays solid defense and hits from either side of the plate. They do not have the assets to trade for a superstar. However, they could put together a package for a serviceable, everyday second basemen.

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The first potential target for the Angels could be the Oakland Athletic’s Jed Lowrie. Lowrie, 32, has been a slightly above-average second baseman. He has not been a full-time starter since 2014; however,  if the Angels were to use him against left-handed pitchers, they may see better results. Lowrie hit .298 against lefties in 2016. While this may not fill their need of left-handed hitting, it would be a great utility to have.

He would also come reasonably cheap, as the Angels could most likely give a young pitcher to the rebuilding A’s for Lowrie. While platoons have not worked for the Angels recently, Lowrie is capable of putting the ball in play and getting on base. Keeping the innings alive to get to their stars is something the Angels must do if they plan on contending soon.

Someone who may be more expensive is DJ LeMahieu of the Colorado Rockies. He hit .348 with 66 RBI’s and 11 homeruns. The only reason a player of this magnitude is available is because of how rocky (no pun intended)  Colarado’s organization is.

The Angels would have to give up a lot to receive LeMahieu. However, we saw them deal two top prospects for Andrelton Simmons a year ago. This assures us that Billy Eppler is not afraid to pull the trigger.

A deal for LeMahieu would most likely involve Tyler Skaggs. Given the state of the Angels’ farm system, there may not be a prospect to add to the trade, and Matt Shoemaker could very well be gone as well.

There is no doubt a deal like this would have a major risk to it. LeMahieu is 28 and leaving his prime soon. However, with Shoemaker 30 years old and coming off a nasty head injury, dealing him may be the right move.

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The Angels could very well wait and see what they have at second base. They have no reason to believe they’ll be contending come 2017. Waiting until 2018, where free agency is going to be mayhem, is probably their best option. Trading Skaggs should be off the table until the trade deadline this year. By then, the Angels will know exactly what they are trading away.