Mock Trade: LA Angels and Boston Red Sox

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The LA Angels are in an awkward spot with the trade deadline approaching. Should they buy or should they sell? This series will analyze a trade with each team. Some teams will buy from the Halos, some will sell, but all will trade.

If the LA Angels strike a deal with the Boston Red Sox, it will undoubtedly be as sellers. These two teams actually have a pretty great need from each other. The Red Sox have a great farm system. The Halos have a number of players who can help a contending team. After just missing out on the Todd Frazier sweepstakes, the Red Sox are in need of a third baseman. The Angels have Yunel Escobar, who can more than fill in for a lackadaisical third base group for the Sox.

In this trade, the Angels bolster up their farm system by adding two young prospects in the forms of left-handed pitcher Trey Ball and second baseman Josh Tobias. Ball, a former top ten pick, has struggled so far in Double-A this season, posting a 3-9 record with a 5.42 ERA. Hitters have a .307 batting average against Ball, not a good sign from a prospect with such high draft capital. A change of scenery could benefit him greatly.

In Tobias, the Angels receive a solid second base prospect. At 24 years old, Tobias is nearly ready to make his MLB debut, and the Angels could sure use him. Across Single-A Advanced and Double-A this season, Tobias is hitting .293 with three home runs, 36 runs, and 35 RBI’s. He is an average runner, but has all the tools to be an everyday second baseman.

The Angels would have to give up third baseman Yunel Escobar, one of the team’s best hitters since 2016. This year, Escobar is hitting .281 with six big flies and 37 runs and 26 RBI’s. He is also a very underrated fielder, consistently making strong plays at third. He would only add to Boston’s alpha dog offense.

Next: Mock Trade: LA Angels and Baltimore Orioles

This trade could be the best of both worlds for everyone. Escobar would get a chance at a ring, the Angels would get two solid prospects, and it would allow Kaleb Cowart to show if he’s the future at third base.