Predicting LA Angels Opening Day Roster: Post Winter Meetings Edition

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Andrelton Simmons #2 congratulates Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after defeating the Boston Red Sox 10-4 in a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 31, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Andrelton Simmons #2 congratulates Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after defeating the Boston Red Sox 10-4 in a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 31, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Relievers

Last season, the LA Angels had a very reliable bullpen for the first half of the season. There’s legitimate reason to believe that the same group could be a top five bullpen in 2020 as long as they aren’t overused due to a makeshift rotation. That’s what the additions of Teheran and Bundy do for the Angels, provide consistent innings and keep the bullpen fresh.

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There’s two names I wanted to point out here. The first is Felix Pena. He was a solid starter/bulk guy for the Angels last season, but could be moved to the bullpen in 2020. His ability to go multiple innings at a time could provide some much-needed relief for the other bullpen arms on the team. Using one pitcher in Pena to bridge the game from starter to closer rather than burning three arms is a valuable skill.

The second, and likely more exciting name, is Keynan Middleton. The Angels’ young stud of a reliever missed the majority of last season recovering from Tommy John, but could be in line for a big time breakout in 2020. His ability to throw a triple digit fastball along with loopy offspeed pitches could be a devastating mix to add to this bullpen.