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Angels Rumors: Halos interested in multiple free-agent relievers

By Alfonso Cerna

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: Closing pitcher Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians pitches during the ninth inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on September 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 10-9. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 30: Closing pitcher Brad Hand #33 of the Cleveland Indians pitches during the ninth inning of Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field on September 30, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Yankees defeated the Indians 10-9. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Angels
Brad Hand (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images) /

As the MLB offseason is slowly chugging along, the hot stove is finally starting to heat up. The Angels have quietly made cost-effective moves to address their needs, but there is still work to do. The Halos retooled their bullpen earlier this offseason by acquiring Alex Claudio and Raisel Iglesias, and it doesn’t appear the Angels are finished in that department. As reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray, the Angels are showing interest in free-agent pitcher Brad Hand.

Hand has been one of the most effective left-handed relievers in the league for the past five seasons.

  • 2016: (82 games) 2.92 ERA 1.108 WHIP
  • 2017: (72 games) 2.16 ERA 0.933 WHIP
  • 2018: (69 games) 2.75 ERA 1.111 WHIP
  • 2019: (60 games) 3.30 ERA 1.238 WHIP
  • 2020: (23 games) 2.05 ERA 0.773 WHIP

Earlier this week, I created a list of five impact relievers that would give the Angels one of the best bullpens in baseball, based on the foundation the team currently has. Hand was briefly mentioned, but reports of the lefty in negotiations with the Mets made me believe a deal was impossible. It appears Hand is still in talks with multiple teams including the Angels, Mets, and Blue Jays.

The only left-handers on the active roster for the Angels are Claudio and Patrick Sandoval. Hand gives the Angels a dominant left-handed weapon out of the ‘pen who is a specialist and a late-inning reliever. The 30-year old has converted 105 of 128 save opportunities and boasts a .187/.258/.294 career line against left-handed batters.

Hand made $7.5 million (non-prorated) for Cleveland last season and will likely ask for a slight bump from that number in 2021. The Angels certainly have enough on the payroll to make this deal happen.

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