Los Angeles Angels: Buyers or Sellers for trade deadline

For the Los Angeles Angels, the trade deadline presents a serious question. Should the Angels be buyers or sellers?

Currently, the Los Angeles Angels are in 4th place in the AL West. They are five games back from a Wild Card spot for the post season. While a Wild Card spot isn’t completely out of the question, the idea of selling for next season may be the best option.

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The Los Angeles Angels were a victim of circumstance again this season. Major injuries to the pitching staff have caused the Angels to remain in the middle of their division for the second straight season. Despite having arguably the best hitter in baseball in Mike Trout, the Angels simply don’t have enough to make noise in the postseason.

So, the question is who will the Angels move? Is there a team that is willing to take the contracts of a Bud Norris or a David Hernandez? Is there a team who’s willing to give another player like Alex Meyer that the Angels could groom for the future?

You can absolutely believe and bet that general manager Billy Eppler is going over all these options right now. However, one question that the Angels need to ask is why; for the second straight season, are all of their pitchers hurt? Of the nine players listed on the DL, eight of them are pitchers. Now, we all know that pitchers get hurt. It’s the nature of the beast in baseball. Still, the injury seems to love the Los Angeles Angels starting pitchers.

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Nevertheless, the Angels have to survey the situation. Looking at the Wild Card standings Kansas City is red hit winning eight of their last 10. The Yankees are playing well this season thanks to Aaron Judge. Both Seattle and Texas are threatening to make the Wild Card as well. It just doesn’t look good for the Angels this season.

According to baseballprospectus.com, the Los Angeles Angels have a 5.1% chance of making the playoffs. While the Angels have to address the cursed position of second base, they need pitchers who can stay healthy throughout a season. J.C. Ramirez has been somewhat surprising this season. His 9-8 record, 4.38 ERA is decent. However, Ricky Nolasco has been a major disappointment this season with a record of 4-12 with a 5.07 ERA. Jesse Chavez has also struggled with a 5-10 record and an ERA of 5.35

Next: Will the LA Angels Fill the Hole at 2B?

The Angels must address their pitching in order to contend for the AL West and a Wild Card spot. It must be on the mind of Billy Eppler and company. The Angels have to bring in young prospects capable of rebuilding the pitching staff. That begins with selling for this trade deadline.