The LA Angels have been headlining the offseason. Sure, the Yankees, Cardinals, and Marlins have all made big moves. However, the Halos have been improving their team more so than any other club. Now, they need to bring it home and finish their dream offseason.
The LA Angels have been linked to Mike Moustakas for months. The slugger from Kansas City wants to play in Anaheim, but they announced on Friday they agreed to terms with free agent Zack Cozart. The two sides agreed on a $38 dollar deal that lasts three years.
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Cozart is coming off a huge year for the Reds, one in which he put up career best numbers. Cozart his .297 with a .385 on-base percentage. He also knocked 24 big flies while driving in 64 RBI’s and scoring himself 80 times.
Coming off his first All Star season, Cozart will be 32 next season. He is older than Moustakas, but his contract is a much better deal for the Angels. Moustakas will likely be demanding a longer deal, and will certainly be making more annually. However, Cozart fits in with what general manager Billy Eppler is doing with the Angels.
Eppler likes guys who can play good defense. Cozart is an above-average shortstop, who will be playing third base for the Halos. Eppler wants high on-base percentage and guys who put the ball in play. Cozart had a .385 OBP last year (compared to Moustakas’ .314). Cozart is exactly what the Angels were looking for, and bringing him in completes the offseason of Eppler’s dreams.
Next: Shohei Ohtani's Elbow a Non-Issue for Halos
Zack Cozart now joins Shohei Ohtani and Ian Kinsler as the newest Halos. He rounds out the offense, and it seems as if Billy Eppler’s focus will now be shifted towards filling out the Angels’ bullpen. After years of making under-the-radar moves for the Halos, Billy Eppler has announced his presence as one of the best general managers in baseball, and has done so with authority.