The LA Angels Have No Choice But to Compete

The LA Angels have been bordering around .500 and been fourth in the American League West for the better part of a month now. However, they have no choice but to compete in 2018.

It has been another season of the same old news for the LA Angels.

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“Halos Bullpen Blows Game Late”

“Angels Offense Can’t Keep Up in Tuesday’s Loss”

“Mike Trout Putting Up Career Year, Likely MVP”

“The Angels Are Wasting Mike Trout…Again”

It’s been a long season for the Halos and their fans. The past month have been filled with trade rumors, and the team was reportedly close to dealing for relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera, but the Royals decided to deal him to the Nationals.

Garrett Richards had been linked to many trade rumors as well, but he opted for Tommy John surgery earlier this week, taking the Angels’ best asset off the block. Early on Saturday, reports surfaced saying the Yankees have been scouting Andrew Heaney and Tyler Skaggs, who have three and two years of club control left, respectively.

Billy Eppler has said that the Angels are not interested in trading players with club control beyond 2018, so it does not seem like any heavy selling will take place this year. That leaves players such as Blake Parker, Jim Johnson, Ian Kinsler, and Martin Maldonado as the Angels’ best trade assets.

None of those players would garner much on the trade market, even considering the Halos’ average farm system. Of course they could try to trade off those minimal pieces. However, given the upcoming Mike Trout free agency in 2020, Eppler wants to compete.

And compete they will.

Next: Zack Cozart Signing Was a Bad Move

Whether trading away prospects for pieces to make a playoff push is the right move is up for debate. However, for fans who want the Angels to try to get a quick prospect who can help in 2019, that is not likely. In 2018, the Angels have no choice but to buckle down and hope for some 2002-like magic.