Mock Trade: LA Angels and Chicago White 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.

The LA Angels and Chicago White Sox are both focused on improving their farm system. While the White Sox already have on of the best farm systems in the MLB, the Angels are trying to get back on the right track. The one thing the White Sox lack in their farm system is elite hitting potential. Meanwhile, the Angels have nothing but mid-rotation arms in their farm system.

In this deal, the Angels land a prospect with front-of-the-rotation potential in Dylan Cease. If not for an elbow injury, Cease would have been a first rounder rather than a sixth. He has had his injury concerns, but has worked hard at cleaning up his delivery to prevent future problems. Cease has a powerful fastball/curveball combos, and a solid changeup as well. However, with his new delivery, he has had trouble finding the strike zone at times. Even with these problems, he would become the best pitching prospect in the Angels organization.

The Angels would have to give up more than one prospect for an arm like Cease. Headlining the package would be Matt Thaiss, a first baseman/designated hitter who has hit well at every level he has played at. A first round pick in 2016, Thaiss brings power, contact, and a mature approach to the plate. He is widely viewed as the first baseman of the future in the Angels organization.

The Halos would also have to part ways with Nonie Williams. Williams, a 2016 third round pick,  is an extremely raw athletic player. However, the athleticism he does bring to the diamond is elite. He can be an above average shortstop or center fielder in the big leagues. He is a switch-hitter, though he is much better from the right side of the plate. Williams has good potential at the plate, and is already showing signs of improvement, but he will take time to develop.

Next: Mock Trade: LA Angels and Chicago White Sox

The Halos lack an elite arm in their farm system, and the White Sox lack elite hitters. This deal is the best for both teams, and does not decimate their respectful position groups.