Breaking News: The Los Angeles Angels Trade For Martin Maldonado

The Los Angeles Angels aren’t done making deals just yet. Today, they acquired a new catcher and a minor league RHP. Billy Eppler is at it again.

The Los Angeles Angels are trading catcher Jett Bandy to the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-player swap. The Angels will receive catcher Martin Maldonado, and right-handed pitcher Drew Gagon. This news broke via Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.

Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register also followed the story tweeting that Maldonado would likely be the starting catcher next season. He and Carlos Perez will compete for the starting job during Spring Training.

This move was predominantly for the catcher instead of the pitching prospect. As of now, there is no word on how Gagon will be used in Anaheim. Also noteworthy, is Gagon is the second Long Beach State player the Angels have acquired in the last four days, Danny Espinosa being the first.

It would appear that rather than spend money, the Angels are making some tweaks and adjustments to the roster for 2017. On paper, the Angels will improve mightily on the defensive side of the ball.

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What’s also significant is the Angels have yet to dip into the money they are saving from both C.J. Wilson‘s and Jered Weaver‘s contract. At this point, there hasn’t been a deal reached with Wilson, Weaver, Jhoulys Chacin, or Tim Lincecum.

While the Angels have been upgrading the holes in the outfield and infield, they still have to tweak the pitching staff. It’s unclear if they’ll be able to do that before Spring Training. However, they’ll have some money to sign a possible free agent left on the table.

Next: Angels Not Done Making Deals

One thing is absolutely clear, the Angels will continue to adjust and tweak the lineup all the way to Spring Training. Trades and signings are going to happen more and more as the season approaches. The Angels aren’t playing around here, folks. They intend to contend next season.