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

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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.

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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.

(Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers

After a big offseason so far and more moves to make, the Texas Rangers have a rock solid rotation as they aim for playoff contention in 2020. This makes prospect Joe Palumbo more dispensable for them than he was a few weeks ago, and the Angels should be all in on acquiring him.

First off, the players going to Texas. Brian Goodwin has three years of control and is an above-averagee hitter who can play any outfield spot. While the Rangers’ outfield seems crowded, there’s always room for a player like Goodwin.

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Taylor Ward is looking like a utility player going forward, and a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. Garrett Stallings was a very successful college pitcher, and projects mostly as a #4 or #5 starter.

Now, onto Palumbo. With a lanky frame, he has deceptively powerful pitches, with his fastball topping out at 96 MPH. His offspeed offerings are effective against both left-handed and right-handed hitters, especially his plus curveball. He seems to be a mature pitcher on the mound as well, and had a phenomenal season at AAA last year. While he might not be ready for the MLB by Opening Day, Palumbo will be ready sooner rather than later for a big league role.

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Oakland Athletics

This is probably the most boring of trades in this article, but it could be one that pays dividends throughout the 2020 season. As I touched on in a recent post, the Angels’ catching position in a poor state, and needs just as much attention on improvement as their starting rotation. While Josh Phegley is certainly no superstar, he is a huge upgrade over what they currently have.

As the A’s always need to, they’ve already began shedding salary this offseason and Phegley is another player they’d like to trade, per multiple reports. Last year, Phegley posted an 82 wRC+ for the Oakland A’s. While that number isn’t jaw-dropping by any stretch of the word, it’s a ginormous upgrade over the current offensive status of the Halo’s catching group.

Even better about Phegley, he’ll be cheap to acquire. The A’s have multiple catching prospects ready to contribute in 2020, so Phegley is an expendable contract and expires after 2020. Arol Vera (Angels 26th ranked prospect) and Orlando Martinez (#30) are the two prospects I have going to Oakland here, both of whom project to be reserves once they do make the major leagues, which won’t be for years.

(Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Seattle Mariners

If you’re even a casual baseball fan, you’ve likely heard of Justus Sheffield over the years. First, he was the headlining prospect in the package that went to New York in exchange for Andrew Miller. Then, the Yankees sent him to Seattle when they acquired James Paxton.

You’d expect a pitcher who was the focal point of a trade including such big names to cost more than Jahmai Jones and Luis Madero, but after a disappointing 2019 season his value has taken a hit.

Sheffield has all of the ability to be a big league pitcher, his pitches have excellent movement and velocity. However, his command has made it hard for him to find success in the majors thus far. He used to be thought of as a potential frontline starter, but his 2019 season really knocked down expectations to that of a mid-rotation starter at best.

That’s why Jahmai Jones, a multi-positional player who, by the way, was drafted by Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto prior to his departure from Anaheim. Jones has also made a change to his swing, which could unlock the potential that made him a second round pick.

Next. Does LAA Have a Legit Starter in Hector Yan?

Additionally, Luis Madero is developing as a starting pitcher, but could wind up being a multi-inning guy out of the bullpen depending on how his command continues to develop as he reaches the higher levels of the minor leagues.

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