Angels face multiple scenarios with Dylan Bundy decision

The Los Angeles Angels opted not to move Dylan Bundy at the MLB Trade Deadline and now face multiple options with the pitcher.

Heading into the 2020 MLB Trade Deadline, there was a lot of chatter about the Los Angeles Angels and whether or not they would find a deal to move Dylan Bundy. Among a handful of trade chips, he held the most potential value for the Angels.

He also represented the biggest gamble.

On one hand, the Angels were looking at giving up the man who had arguably been their staff ace in a season where pitching has killed them. On the other, the Halos could turn a relatively modest investment into a net gain in terms of prospects or future pieces to help the team in 2021 and beyond.

Just before the momentum of the day started to reach its peak, word came out of Anaheim that the Angels were likely hanging on to Bundy. According to general manager Billy Eppler, the team fielded a lot of calls, but ultimately didn’t find a deal to their liking.

"“Those guys, at least in Bundy and Heaney’s case, I mean they impact the 2021 rotation. It had to be a compelling return for us to do anything with them, and nothing matched up.” (h/t Rhett Bolinger, MLB.com)"

It’s not hard to imagine why Eppler would set a high bar when it comes to trading Bundy. At 4-2 with a 2.47 ERA, a 3.13 FIP, and a 9.69 K/9, the right-hander has far exceeded expectations in 2020 and is looking a lot like the ace many predicted of him as a prospect.

In choosing to hang on to Bundy instead of moving him at the deadline, Eppler has now created several potential future scenarios. However, it’s difficult to imagine the logic of the choice from his part, especially if he’s not guaranteed to be a part of those decisions.

With that said, let’s take a look at the potential outcomes that not trading Dylan Bundy has created for the Angels.