Could the LA Angels Make a Run at Yu Darvish?

The LA Angels were relatively quiet at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, the cross town rival Dodgers landed Yu Darvish, who’s contract expires after this season. Can (and should) the Angels poach Darvish from the Dodgers and the rest of the MLB?

The LA Angels are in the midst of a playoff race. However, you can bet the front office has already been working towards having a successful offseason. While last year’s free agency pull is looking to pay off (Cameron Maybin, Ben Revere, Luis Valbuena), the Halos might want to consider swinging for the faces this offseason.

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It is not quite the style Billy Eppler likes to play by, but it may be the right time to switch it up for the Halos general manager. The Angels do not currently have anyone in their organization who has shown the potential to be an ace. While Darvish is on the wrong side of 30, he has shown that he can still pitch with the best of them.

Since joining the Dodgers, Darvish is 2-0 in his three starts. He owns a 2.50 ERA through 18 innings pitched. He has allowed five runs, mostly due to the four big flies he has allowed. His 22 strikeouts are outstanding though, especially given he has only allowed four walks.

The LA Angels will have $26 million off the books from Josh Hamilton’s contract expiring alone. They will almost certainly have the ability to sign a big name, Darvish included. However, this would restrict them for years to come, as Darvish will likely demand a long-term deal. This could handicap them going into the stellar 2018 and 2019 classes.

The Angels need an ace. However, signing one that is 31 will be something they only regret. Reminiscent of the CJ Wilson signing, Darvish may bring one or two solid seasons for the Angels. However, he will decline in performance as the contract only becomes more expensive for the Halos.

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The Angels would be smart to stick to their current game plan of drafting high potential players and signing undervalued players. It has the Angels set up for a potential playoff berth. Eppler’s process has also found youngsters like Parker Bridwell and Alex Meyer, who can be future cornerstones for the rotation.