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LA Angels: Three Free Agents That Can Make the Team Contenders

By Vincent Page |
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 16: Pitcher Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the first inning of Game Four of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 16: Pitcher Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the first inning of Game Four of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 16: Pitcher Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the first inning of Game Four of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 16: Pitcher Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the first inning of Game Four of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The LA Angels have had quite the offseason so far, rounding out their roster with a group of players who will help them towards their quest for the playoffs.

However, there are still three names out on the free agency market that make too much sense for the LA Angels. These three players could turn thee Halos from threats to make the postseason, into threats in the postseason.

Gio Gonzalez

Last year, the Milwaukee Brewers were one of the biggest surprises in baseball, being just one win away from the World Series. A big part of that playoff push was MVP Christian Yelich, but acquiring Gio Gonzalez at the deadline was another big factor in their playoff push.

Now a free agent, Gonzalez makes a lot of sense for an Angels team that has already bolstered their rotation with Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill this offseason. And while the rotation seems set for the season, the Halos have learned that you can never have too many pitchers in your organization.

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After his trade to the Brewers last season, Gonzalez was an absolute monster on the mound. In five starts after the trade, he dominated hitters with a 2.13 ERA in 25.1 innings. Obviously that is a small sample size, but he showed the entire MLB that he still has a lot of pitching left in him.

Signing Gonzalez would also give the Angels the opportunity to utilize a six man rotation in 2019, which they relied on for stretches of last season. Having six quality starters is tough to do, but adding Gonzalez would make that a reality in Anaheim. And for a team who has seen a plethora of  pitchers hit the disabled list over the past few seasons, a six-man rotation would help ease a lot of durability concerns.

While Gonzalez would likely earn more than a minor league deal, his contract would be very team friendly at this point, fair or not.

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 07: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim talks with Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles after flying out during the eighth inning of a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 7, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 07: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim talks with Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles after flying out during the eighth inning of a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 7, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Adam Jones

Last season, Adam Jones found himself mentioned in a swirl of trade rumors as he spent his days on the worst team in baseball, the Baltimore Orioles. He stuck it out for the rest of the season, finishing with an exceptional .281/.313/.419 slash line.

Going into the offseason he was expected to have a lot of suitors, but as this offseason has gone for most players, he has seen little to no action. Still without a team, the Angels make a lot of sense for the 33-year old veteran.

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It was well documented how awful Kole Calhoun was for the majority of the season in 2018. Despite a summer where he was one of the best hitters in baseball, Calhoun still finished the year with a .208 batting average. That is abysmal, and Jones would serve as a perfect replacement.

While Jones has spent his career in center, his range has decreased as his age has increased. He could serve as a perfect right fielder in Anaheim, pairing with Mike Trout to be the best defensive duo of outfielders in the MLB.

And even if new manager Brad Ausmus wants to keep Calhoun in the loop, there is a simple platoon between him and Jones. Calhoun struggled against lefties last year while Jones was great when facing southpaws.

Before this offseason, a multi-year extension for Jones seemed obvious. However, it seems only two free agents got paid this offseason, and Jones could be had for a cheap deal for whichever team signs him first. If they’re smart, the Angels will be sure that he is wearing the red and white come Opening Day.

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 11: Pitcher Edwin Jackson #37 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the sixth inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Athletics defeated the Angels 7-0. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 11: Pitcher Edwin Jackson #37 of the Oakland Athletics pitches during the sixth inning of the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on August 11, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Athletics defeated the Angels 7-0. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

Edwin Jackson

Last year, the MLB was given a shock as the supposedly rebuilding Oakland Athletics nearly won 100 games. So far this offseason, coincidental or not, the Angels have dipped their hands into the A’s pot in free agency. They signed Jonathan Lucroy and Trevor Cahill, both big contributors for the Halo’s NorCal rivals.

Now, they have a chance to sign the entire trio. The Angels can be the 14th team of Jackson’s career, and they’d be huge beneficiaries if so. The 35-year old Jackson hurled his way to a 3.33 ERA last year and, like Gonzalez, would give the Angels the option to extend their rotation to six pitchers.

Unlike Gonzalez, Jackson provides value out of the bullpen as well. He has made 89 career relief appearances, and while the results have been mixed, it does still add to his value. However, Jackson still is best used as a back-of-the-rotation starter at this point of his career.

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Another factor worth noting is that Jonathan Lucroy was his catcher then and was almost assuredly a large part in his career revival in Oakland. Jackson has stated he’d like to continue his career with the same team, but wouldn’t the second best option be rejoining the catcher who was vital to a strong 2018 for Jackson?

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