LA Angels Trade Block: Making Big Trades with AL West Rivals

On this installation of LA Angels Trade Block, we’ll be taking a look at the four teams the Halos will be directly competing with in the American League West.

While it seems weird for the LA Angels to make deals with such tight rivals in their division, it isn’t all that out of the ordinary. Just last year the Halos struck a deal with the Houston Astros to acquire catcher Max Stassi. Speaking of Houston, let’s start there.

Houston Astros

*The graphic doesn’t allow it, but the Angels would also send RHP Jose Soriano in this trade*

Why not start the show with some fireworks, huh? Carlos Correa’s name was recently put on the trade block, and there’s not a clear fit as to why the Angels would trade for him with Andrelton Simmons at shortstop.

More from Halo Hangout

• New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

However, a shortstop with the range of Correa sure would make an elite second baseman. This trade package was recommended in an article by Bleacher Report, and it’s not a bad proposition. The Angels get another star player for their infield, and the Astros get the value they always crave.

The Angels would have Correa for two seasons, and his bat would make the Angels lineup legitimately dominant for both of those seasons. It would force David Fletcher to right field, making Jo Adell’s future role with the club murky, but maybe the Angels could work out a way to trade away Justin Upton if he shows signs of a comeback in 2020.

The package going back to Houston isn’t light, but isn’t an unreasonable ask at all. Tommy La Stella can play third base for the Astros as MVP-runner up Alex Bregman moves to shortstop. Brandon Marsh is the Angels’ #2 prospect and would provide insurance for the Astros should they lose out on George Springer in free agency next season.

Jose Soriano is the Angels’ ninth ranked prospect, while Jose Suarez showed some signs of being a solid backend rotation piece throughout the 2019 season.