LA Angels: Grading Each Offseason Signing

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ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 16: Trevor Cahill #53 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 16, 2010 in Anaheim, California. The Angels defeated the Athletics 4-0. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

RHP, Trevor Cahill

Angels are rarely thought of as thieves, but the stole from the Oakland A’s by agreeing to a one-year deal with Trevor Cahill for $9 million. The 30-year old pitcher has had an up-and-down career, but the Angels will hope to steady his numbers in 2019.

Cahill posted a 3.76 ERA in 2018, his fifth season posting an ERA below four. However, he also has five seasons posting an ERA above four, with the lowest being 4.16 in 2011. The other four years all finished 4.63 or above. So while Cahill could arguably be a boom-or-busy signing, Billy Eppler must be confident a boom year is coming.

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Most Cahill doubters will point to his home and away splits from 2018, where he had a 1.84 and 6.41 ERA, respectively. Pitching in the Oakland Coliseum is a huge advantage, but The Big A is a pitchers ballpark as well, even with the lowered right field wall. For what it’s worth, of the opposing stadiums Cahill pitched, his 4.15 ERA in Anaheim is the lowest of the group.

Cahill does not offer the upside Harvey does to the rotation in 2019. However, the Angels have learned in recent year that a team can never have too many pitchers, and the Cahill signing emphasizes that. If he can somewhat replicate his career averages, he will be a solid piece for the second half of the Angels rotation.

Signing Grade: B-

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