Three Breakout Candidates for the LA Angels

Ty Buttrey

Last season, once it was clear the LA Angels weren’t truly going to contend for a playoff spot, they started shipping away veterans, including a deal that sent Ian Kinsler to the Boston Red Sox. This could be a win-win for everyone, as Kinsler and the Sox won a ring, and the Angels received Ty Buttrey.

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Last season, Buttrey was very impressive in a limited sample size. The soon-to-be 26-year-old posted a 3.31 ERA over 16 games, and was a very reliable reliever down the stretch. When you consider four of the six earned runs he allowed last season came in one game against the Houston Astros, the results are even more encouraging. If not for that game, his season long ERA would have dropped to an absolutely dominant mark 1.10.

Now, while Buttrey’s sample size is limited, it will e considered a breakout season if he can maintain, or even improve upon, his numbers in 2019 while getting a full season of MLB experience under his belt. He won’t be competing for the closer job, as Cody Allen has that locked up (at least until Kenyan Middleton returns). However, he could become one of the best options out of the bullpen for Brad Ausmus this year.

If he can be the Angels’ 2019 version of Yusmeiro Petit, and be a stopper out of the bullpen (his strikeout numbers were elite), Buttrey would be one of, if not the most, important reliever for the Angels this season.

Like Barria and the rotation, Buttrey can change the entire dynamic of the bullpen. If he can be dominant this season, he can join Allen and Middleton (once healthy) to form a deadly trio to finish games for the Halos.