LA Angels: 3 reasons to sign Masahiro Tanaka

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 07, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 07, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees heads back to the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 07, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees heads back to the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game Three of the American League Division Series at PETCO Park on October 07, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Angels Rotation Needs a Leader

The Angels have continued to struggle to get over the hump and truly compete with the Astros and Athletics at the top of the division. If they aren’t careful they could even be overtaken by the young Mariners in the coming years led by the likes of Kyle Lewis, Julio Rodriguez, and Jarred Kelenic. The Angels clearly have the core of Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, but the biggest shortcoming has been pitching and its not even close.

With the injury issues of Ohtani, there has been little to be excited about on the pitching front. We often see early leads blown before we can even sit down in front of the TV. The Angels do not have a pitcher in the top-ten of any major statistical category outside of Dylan Bundy who finished with six wins.

Sure there are plenty of other top-tier options like bringing Trevor Bauer home to Southern California, but that comes at a massive cost of which the Angels more than likely cannot afford. Tanaka would be much more affordable and allow them to have more financial freedom when looking for more starting pitching help in the FA market.

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