Grading Angels GM Perry Minasian this offseason (Part 1)

The Angels upgraded their bullpen with the additions of Raisel Iglesias and Alex Claudio.

Five days after his first trade with the organization, Minasian made another for the team’s likely closer. On Dec 7, the Angels traded pitcher Noe Ramirez, minor league shortstop Leo Rivas, and cash considerations to the Reds in exchange for Raisel Iglesias.

Iglesias turned 31-years old at the beginning of this month and will make $9.125 million in the final year of his contract this season. I think this will prove to be a great rental for the Angels.

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The right-hander posted a 2.74 ERA and 6.20 K/BB ratio in 23 innings last season. Iglesias also notched eight saves in 2020 and 30-plus saves in each of the two prior seasons.

Minasian continued adding to his bullpen on Dec 16, when the team signed left-hander Alex Claudio to a one-year, $1.25 million deal. The soon-to-be 29-year old is a lefty specialist, holding a career .202 BA and .556 OPS against left-handed hitters.

Claudio will enter his ninth year in the big leagues after previously spending time with the Brewers and Rangers. The new Angels reliever will join Patrick Sandoval as the only left-handed bullpen arms on the active roster.

The additions of Iglesias and Claudio aren’t enough to put the Angels bullpen over the top, but it’s a start. Minasian has a nice foundation to work with and is one or two additional arms away from turning the Halos ‘pen into one of the best in baseball.