Four Aces the LA Angels Should Trade For

Last but not least, the LA Angels have a potential reunion with the final ace. After a disappointing first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Zack Greinke rebounded. Over the past two years, he has combined for a 3.20 ERA and struck hitters out at a strong rate.

Greinke was only an Angel for a half of a season. Now, with three more years left on his deal, the Diamondbacks are looking to offload the former Cy Young winner. And the Angels would be wise to at least check in.

Now, there are a lot of factors that go into making this trade work. The first is a significant hurdle, but one that can be conquered nonetheless. Greinke has a no-trade clause involving 15 teams, one of which is the Angels.

While that is not a good sign for Eppler, no-trade clauses are not always concrete. Just this week, Jean Segura waived his right to decline a trade to the Phillies in order to escape the toxic environment in Seattle. Last offseason, Ian Kinsler decided to do the same and join the Angels, who were involved in his no-trade clause. It is not a great sign for things, but it is not impossible.

The second issue is the money owed to Greinke. With over $95 million left on his deal, the Diamondbacks will have to swallow a good portion of that for any team to trade for Greinke. If the Angels and Diamondbacks can agree on an amount for both teams, and the Angels can send a solid group of prospects to Arizona, they may just have their ace.

Last time the Angels traded for Greinke, it was in hopes of a playoff run. This time, it is for a hopeful return to the postseason, and also a move to convince Mike Trout that the Angels mean serious business.