LA Angels “Would You Rather?”: Offseason Edition

WOULD YOU RATHER sign Anthony Rendon to an eight-year, $250 million contract OR sign Madison Bumgarner to a 4-year, $100 million contract?

This is my favorite question in this article. The Angels have a solid infield with David Fletcher and Tommy La Stella likely splitting time at third base next year. At the same time, however, Anthony Rendon could very well end up as the National League MVP.

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On the flip side, the Angels rotation was one of the worst in baseball this year. Madison Bumgarner isn’t the best starter available this winter, and he might not even be a top-five starter depending on who you ask.

So the real question here is, would you rather upgrade a position with a star in Anthony Rendon where the need isn’t pressing, or upgrade the worst position group on your roster with a very good, but not elite, Madison Bumgarner?

Rendon is the best position player on the free agent market, no matter who you ask. One could make the argument he’s better than anyone who hit the market last offseason, as well. However, his age and lack of star power will (probably) keep him from making the $300 million Bryce Harper and Manny Machado landed.

As stated earlier, the Angels don’t necessarily need a star third baseman, but it would give them a phenomenal, maybe even league-best 2-3-4 with Mike Trout, Rendon, and Shohei Ohtani.

Bumgarner on the other hand, would give the Angels a relatively safe pitcher to headline their rotation. He doesn’t come with much risk (as long as he stays away from quads), and shouldn’t be as expensive as other starters on the market.

Angels fans! You and me agree once again! While the temptation of adding Rendon to an already exceptional offense makes my mouth drool, getting in a bidding war for his services rather than opting for an elite #2 option in Bumgarner seems silly to me.