LA Angels: 5 non-tendered players to look at

Carlos Rodon

It doesn’t seem too long that Rodon was the third pick in the MLB draft back in 2014, but since then it’s been an uphill battle for him and one that the White Sox didn’t see was worth fighting for. He’s dealt with a lot of nagging injuries that has affected his ability to pitch and his development as he had Tommy John surgery back in 2019 and dealt with left shoulder soreness for most of the 2020 season.

He only made 2 starts in 2020 in which he only tossed a combined 7.2 innings with an ERA of 8.22 with only 6 strikeouts. His best season was arguably his first season in the Major Leagues back in 2015 where he made 23 starts with a 3.75 ERA in 139.1 innings pitched with an opponents batting average against of .251 with 139 strikeouts.

The Angels are in a desperate need of retooling their starting rotation and while Rodon has a plagued career of injuries, the team should at least consider taking a look at him. He isn’t going to cost a whole lot considered he’s being non-tendered and having a fresh set of eyes on him in terms of coaching and development might be what he just needs to figure it out.

The known rework of the Angels development system led by Angels new gm, Perry Minasian, may work to Rodon’s advantage and he could find success which in turn benefits the team.