Angels News: A breakdown of 1-year deals and the current payroll

As of today, the Angels are limited when it comes to spending on free agents like Trevor Bauer. There’s around ~$24 million left before the team hits the luxury tax penalty, which the Halos have done once (2004) since Arte Moreno took over as the team owner.

Looking ahead to the future is also something Moreno may consider given the upcoming MLB free agents.

More from LA Angels News

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• Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
• Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
• Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels

Notable Upcoming Free Agents

• SS Fransisco Lindor (2022)
• SS Javier Baez (2022)
• SS Carlos Correa (2022)
• SS Corey Seager (2022)
• SS Trevor Story (2022)
• RHP Noah Syndergaard (2022)
• LHP Clayton Kershaw (2022)
• C Willson Contreras (2023)
• RHP Jacob deGrom opt-out (2023)
• LHP Chris Sale opt-out (2023)
• LHP Aroldis Chapman (2023)

As you can see, the list is loaded with big name talent, specifically at the shortstop position for next season. That’s a spot the Angels will most certainly be looking to improve, which is why they brought in a plug-in type of player like Iglesias for 2021.

The Angels could be saving room on their payroll for free agents in the next few seasons.

Fans don’t want to hear this, but the reality is that Moreno and the Angels probably will not break the bank for the 2021 season because they are looking ahead to the free-agent classes listed above. You could make the argument they pay the tax for one season with all the money set to come off the books next year, but the fact that it’s only happened once in Moreno’s 17 seasons with the team leads me to believe he will not approve.

There’s still a ways to go in the offseason before we determine how serious of a contender Moreno and Minasian view this current Angels team. There is a great foundation in place, but the team is one or two high-level players away from being a true threat in the league.

It’s not like there will be a bunch of scrubs on the field; it’s far from that. You have arguably two of baseball’s best players in Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon, with some solid role players surrounding them.

If the Angels are serious about competing this season, there will be significant moves made in the next few weeks.

One of the biggest areas of improvement is needed in the starting rotation, which the Angels have kind of addressed. Quintana was a nice pickup, but his history proves he is far from an ace. Maybe a pitcher like Bundy can take the big leap forward, but the way I see it why should they hope for the best, when there are suitable options out there to add to what is currently in place?

Just look at the Padres and Yankees. Both teams have gone out and found ways to retool their rotations. I find it hard to believe the Angels could not have struck similar deals.

If there are no significant moves made between now and opening day, it’s safe to say Moreno and Minasian are hoping for the best with this group in 2021. I see this going one of two ways.

1. Scenario (A): The current group of players keeps the Angels in contention long enough where the team can make an impact move at the trade deadline and for a World Series run.
2. Scenario (B): The Angels fall out of contention, and the team begins trading all of their one-year rental players at the deadline.

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If Moreno believes the Angels are not good enough in 2021, he views each of those scenarios as a win-win for the future. If the team signs Bauer or makes a blockbuster trade at some point in the next few weeks, I’ll be proven otherwise.