Ranking the LA Angels Positions By Need Ahead of the Offseason

2.) Bullpen

What?? If starting pitching isn’t the most-needed position, the bullpen has to be! Alas, here we are at #2.

Again, let me explain.

The Angels’ bullpen is 2018 was not great. Like the rotation, they were plagued by injuries most notably to closer-of-the-future Keynan Middleton. Even with the injuries though, the Angels still have the pitchers to have a stellar bullpen in 2019.

Blake Parker rebounded from a slow start to grow back into his 2017 form and be a trusted option. Jose Alvarez, the only lefty-specialist, continued his dominance against lefties and was even strong against right-handed hitters as well. Justin Anderson, Hansel Robles, Noe Ramirez, and Ty Buttrey provided solid depth as well, and those six names will form a strong core in 2019.

However, as we learned in the postseason this year, you need more than six names to compete. While he performed excellent in his role, Alvarez is the only lefty in the bullpen, while none of them have proven to be a closing pitcher who can consistently get the job done. With so many relief options in the free agency pool, Billy Eppler and Co. will likely find some names to turn their solid bullpen into an elite weapon come 2019.