Oscar Colás Could Be LA Angels Next Two-Way Star

As the LA Angels have began to truly emphasize two-way players, they may have another shot at an elite one in Oscar Colás.

While Shohei Ohtani is the LA Angels most obvious two-way player, their entire organization has put an emphasis on developing these unique players. As it stands right now, they also have Jared Walsh on their major league roster, while Kaleb Cowart, Bo Way, and William English reside in their minor league system. They also drafted Erik Rivera, a left-handed pitcher/outfielder, in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Needless to say, Billy Eppler and Co. love their two-way players. And now, they’ll have a chance to sign the most talented two-way player one since Ohtani came to Anaheim.

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News broke earlier today that Oscar Colás defected from Cuba and is pursuing his dream of playing in the MLB, per Jeff Passan. At 21-years old, Colás played in Japan last season and posted phenomenal batting numbers. While he didn’t pitch, Passan notes that he’s up to 95 MPH on his fastball.

I would 100% expect the Angels to do everything in their power to bring Colás to Anaheim. However, the same can likely be said for every MLB team. Just like when Ohtani came over, every team will at least inquire on Colás. While it’s unclear whether he’ll sign immediately or in July when team’s will have more international free agency money, all 30 teams will want to bring this phenom into their organization..

The Angels have a great case to make though. While Ohtani hasn’t had the healthiest first two seasons, they’ve proven they know how to utilize multiple two-way players in Ohtani and Walsh. The organization as a whole is making developing two-way players a focus from the top level to the bottom, and Colás could be another addition to their current group.

The Angels will have a disadvantage in terms of cash, though. Since they signed Anthony Rendon, who had declined a qualifying offer from Washington, they’ll lose their second round pick and, more importantly here, $500,000 dollars from their 2020 international signing pool. If Colás decides to wait things out until July to capitalize financially, the Angels won’t be able to offer nearly as much as other teams.

While they might not have the most money, be the closest to his home, or offer the best chance to win, you can bet Billy Eppler is going to do everything in his capabilities to sign Oscar Colás. When the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes were going on, no one expected the Angels to be his landing spot.

And we all know how that one turned out.