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Five Pitchers the LA Angels Should Sign this Winter

By Vincent Page

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 12: Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin #46 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 12, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 12: Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin #46 of the Arizona Diamondbacks throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 12, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 08: Jesse Chavez #40 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 08: Jesse Chavez #40 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Jesse Chavez, RHP

Yes, that Jesse Chavez. After spending his year in Anaheim as a starting pitcher, Chavez has returned to the bullpen as he enters the second half of his 30’s, and it has paid off. Chavez did not start a single game last year, and had one of the lowest ERA’s in the NL after he was traded to the Cubs at the deadline.

Overall, Chavez was exceptional in 2018. It was arguably his best season to date, as his 2.55 ERA and career-high 5.41 strikeout-to-walk ratio were highlights for the San Gabriel native. He capped off his 2018 season by throwing one inning in the NL Wild Card Game against the Rockies. He allowed one hit, but still only faced the minimum three batters.

Projected contract: Two years, $7 million

While I’d love to tell you about the Angels signing Craig Kimbrel or Cody Allen, Billy Eppler made it clear the Angels will not be giving away big contracts for relievers this offseason. Jesse Chavez fits the bill of an undervalued free agent who can greatly help the Angels’ bullpen in 2019. While the rest of the MLB focuses on signing the big names in a legendary free agent class for relievers, the Angels can make a huge steal by swooping in early to sign Chavez.

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