The LA Angels are thinking big picture

The LA Angels have made a few seemingly small moves to start the offseason. However, Billy Eppler is not going to just play small ball this offseason, he’s swinging for the fences.

Few LA Angels fans knew who Jim Johnson was before the team dealt a minor leaguer for him. When it all comes down to it, Johnson is very unlikely to pay huge dividends for the Halos this season or beyond.

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However, this trade may have been the one that puts the Halos over the top.

Along with bringing Johnson to Anaheim, the Angels received $1.21 million from the Atlanta Braves in international free agent money. This brings their total to $1.35 million to spend on any international player they desire. Due to the Braves recent international signing infractions, they releases 13 international prospects, all of which are now free agents.

Then, there is the Japanese Babe Ruth, Shohei Ohtani.

We all know who Ohtani is by now. Can throw 100 MPH from the mound. Can bend his breaking balls like Beckham does soccer balls. He can smash 20 home runs a year, easy. And now, the Angels are all in on him.

Following the trade, the Halos general manager made a statement that’ll make every fan smile.

“The money acquired in this deal was with an eye toward Shohei Ohtani and the pursuit of him as a player for us.”

The Angels are all in to contend for a World Series. Even if they don’t get Ohtani, they’re still favorites to make a huge splash in free agency. They have been connected to big names such as Mike Moustakas, Yu Darvish, and Jake Arrieta.

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Whether they sign Ohtani, or Moustakas, or Darvish, one thing is very obvious for Halo fans everywhere. Billy Eppler is no longer interested in making small moves and hoping that is enough. He is out to prove that he is one of the best minds in baseball while also surrounding Mike Trout with talented players across the board, and this offseason is just the beginning.