LA Angels Trade Block: Finding Aces in the NL East

Philadelphia Phillies

This trade with the Phillies isn’t necessarily a win-now move, but would be a trade that benefits the Angels a ton down the line. The real piece here is Spencer Howard, but Jason Vargas provides back-end rotational depth for the Angels and when he wasn’t threatening reporters last season, he remained somewhat effective with a 4.51 ERA. That’s enough to get you a spot in the Angels rotation right now.

Jones could help in 2020 as well, but would be a significant addition for the future of the rotation. He has the potential to be a frontline starter, but more likely falls into a #2/#3 spot due to lack of command. He has the stuff to fool batters for the next decade, and could potentially make it to the big leagues as soon as 2020.

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This type of package wouldn’t be cheap for the Angels. Tommy La Stella would give the Phillies and everyday third baseman for this season, and could likely sign La Stella to a reasonable contract extension.

They also provide the Phillies with two cost-controlled players for the next half decade. Jose Suarez just seems like he’d be better equipped to pitch in the National League, and the move could help him improve from last year’s shaky numbers. Jahmai Jones is another young infielder who could provide plenty of pop if he figures it all out in the minors.

Again, this might not be the best deal for the Angels to contend in 2020, but with their large payroll it’d give them flexibility and a possible ace for the future.