Three Backup Plans for the LA Angels If They Can’t Land Gerrit Cole

3.) Addition, No Subtractions, and Staying Flexible

Okay, so the Angels don’t sign Gerrit Cole. They still have a large sum of money to play with, and instead of now signing one superstar, adding multiple high-level players becomes the plan. There’s three parts to this plan as well.

So obviously last offseason sucked for the Angels. However, using one year deals was crucial into being able to spend this offseason. So, basically, watching Trevor Cahill, Matt Harvey, and Cody Allen on the mound sucked, but at least we don’t have to next year either.

This offseason, should the Angels not land Cole, I expect them to go after the second-tier starting market. Madison Bumgarner, Jake Odorizzi, Dallas Kuechel, Cole Hamels, and Wade Miley are all guys hitting the market and whose price ranges will allow the Angels to sign not just one, but two from that group.

So that’s the first part of this plan, sign two high quality arms to add to your rotation.

The second part of this plan involves prospects. However, it doesn’t involve trading them. Unless a new player becomes available via trade, the Angels in this situation keep their prospects. More superstars will become available via trade, and most of the Angels’ prospects will develop and gain more value as they continue through the minors.

And finally, the third part of this pivot from Billy Eppler would include a bit from last season: one-year deals. Yes, they didn’t work this year but as I stated earlier, at least the Angels retained flexibility. Signing one reliever, starter, and position player on one-year deals should be in the Angels’ plans.

So this plan is somewhat what the Angels have done. Improve with some long-term deals, then round out the edges using one-year contracts and have ample amount of funds to try again next year. They haven’t necessarily hit the bullseye yet, but this offseason is as good as any for them to pull it off.