Hansel Robles among potential Angels trade chips

Angels Trade Chip – Luis Rengifo (IF)

If there is one player that will be watching this whole ordeal with Simmons and La Stella, it will be Luis Rengifo. His roster spot is greatly dependent upon the future of either player, especially if both or one are retained following the season.

Still just 23-years-old, Rengifo still offers a lot of upside as a player. The biggest issue to date is that the Angels haven’t given him consistent playing time. He’s been blocked by Simmons, Fletcher, and La Stella at both of his key positions.

That hasn’t hurt Rengifo from having trade value, and the Angels have shown a willingness to make a move with the young infielder in the past. He was even included in a failed deal with the Dodgers that would have brought back Ross Stripling and Joc Pederson to the Halos. Teams looking for a guy with upside and a whole to fill, even if they aren’t a contender in 2020, could knock on the Angels door.

The question comes as to if the Angels will be open to moving him. If La Stella or Simmons traded or allowed to walk via free agency, there will be a definite opening for Rengifo either on the bench or even as a potential starter at the keystone if both leave. As such, the Halos may opt to hold on to him unless they are overwhelmed with an offer that addresses their pitching needs.

The Angels have a few other potential options as well, but as always, it will come down to whether they stay in the race, build for 2021, or find a willing buyer. Regardless, they stand to play an interesting part at the trade deadline.