Grading Angels GM Perry Minasian this offseason (Part 1)

The Angels and GM Perry Minasian have addressed some needs so far this offseason, but there is still a lot of work to be done in little time.

A year ago, if you asked new Angels general manager Perry Minasian what he thought his first offseason as an MLB-GM would be like, he probably would not have imagined this.

The global pandemic has also metaphorically infected the offseason MLB market. Things are finally beginning to speed up a bit, thanks to Commissioner Rob Manfred announcing a 162-games season with spring training to start on-time. A few unanswered questions like fans (real human beings) in attendance and a universal designated hitter will give teams a better idea of how to shape their rosters.

Most Angels fans probably find it hard to believe, but the Halos have been one of the more active teams in the offseason. The moves Minasian has made aren’t nearly as big as some acquisitions we’ve seen, but they are cost-effective.

"“It’s been a different offseason,” Minasian told the OC Register on Monday. “It seems like there’s been less activity. We’ve been on of the more active teams and it seems like we haven’t done anything in a year.”"

OVERALL GRADE: C+

First, I’d like to be clear on why I’m giving this grade. This is the first part of the offseason report card for Minasian and is a grade that will change depending on transactions made in the next month. I think these are all good moves that can turn into great or cheap moves, depending on which other impact players are brought in.

Once we see how Minasian follows up with the recent acquisitions, we can get a better idea of the type of general manager he will be. The following moves aren’t every transaction, but the ones considered to have an impact for this season.

There will be a second part to this piece just before the start of spring training. The Angels are still to be determined, though most teams have their pitchers and catchers scheduled to report Feb 16-17.

That being said, there are areas of this team that still need to be addressed like starting pitching. The moves thus far have required a small portion of the team’s salary, leaving room for greater improvement if they bring in a player like Trevor Bauer, or multiple relievers.

There is still a ways to go, but so far Minasian has put this team in a position to add more talent. No pressure, but the clock is ticking.