Four Aces the LA Angels Should Trade For

Madison Bumgarner is not coming off his best season. After a freak injury prior to the season, Bumgarner did not make his 2018 debut until June 5th. Missing so much of the season seemed to prevent Bumgarner from ever fully getting into rhythm.

Still, the four-time All Star was able to work his way through the season to the tune of a 3.26 ERA. His strikeout numbers were among the worst of his career, however. Bumgarner’s 7.6 K/9 was his lowest since 2010, and his 2.53 strikeout-to-walk ratio was the lowest of his career.

Nevertheless, Bumgarner would immediately be one of the best pitchers in the American League should the Angels trade for him. He has never, in his entire 10-year career, had an ERA above 3.37 (2012). He has been among the most consistent pitchers of this decade, and his control issues last year could largely be attributed to his preseason injury.

Bumgarner will be a free agent following the 2019 season, and is only owed $12 million next season. His team-friendly deal should make any contending team want to trade for the veteran’s services. For the Angels, the cost would not be overly expensive like other possible ace trades.

The Giants only have two Top 100 prospects, with no pitchers being ranked there. The Angels could put together a deal with a cost-controlled arm such as Jaime Barria, while also adding in a pitching prospect of the Jose Suarez, along with a projected everyday outfielder such as Brandon Marsh.

While that may seem like a lot to send for one year of Bumgarner, the Angels would also have the inside track of resigning him following 2019. As we know, Billy Eppler is one of the best GM’s in baseball when it comes to recruiting players.