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LA Angels Free Agency Breakdown: First Base

By Vincent Page

DETROIT, MI - MAY 31: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim sits in the dugout during the ninth inning of a 6-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 31, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MAY 31: Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim sits in the dugout during the ninth inning of a 6-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 31, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 19: Mike Moustakas #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates after scoring a run off of a single hit by Erik Kratz #15 against Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game Six of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 19, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 19: Mike Moustakas #18 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates after scoring a run off of a single hit by Erik Kratz #15 against Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in Game Six of the National League Championship Series at Miller Park on October 19, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The Big Name

Last year, prior to the Halos signing Zack Cozart to be their third baseman, there was mutual interest between the club and Mike Moustakas. Moustakas played third base in Kansas City his entire career until being traded to Milwaukee at the deadline in 2018.

Could the two parties come to an agreement (and position change) a year later?

Many would point to Moustakas as a platoon option with the right-handed Pujols. However, Moustakas has been better against left-handed pitchers than right-handed ones. Pujols has also been better against righties than lefties, which could lead to an unconventional platoon. However, Moustakas proved his worth in the postseason this year, as he was a key part of the Brewers’ run up until their Game 7 loss in the NLCS.

Like I stated, the Halos likely would not pursue a play of Moustakas’ caliber to play first unless Pujols retires. If he were to, they would likely need a one-year deal for a player like Moustakas until top prospect Matt Thaiss (read about him here) is ready to make his MLB debut. At 30-years old, Moustakas has the flexibility to be a short-term option but he could find himself a long-term deal as well this offseason.

However, as I’ve said, the Angels are much more likely to sign a depth piece/platoon first base option, so….

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