Assessing the Angels outfield situation with predictions (Part 2)

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Scott Schebler (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

After looking at what players the Angels currently have on the roster, it’s easy to feel a desire for more. So that begs the question, do they need to make a free agent signing or trade to shore up the corner outfield?

Earlier this offseason, the Angels signed Scott Schebler to a minor league deal. The lefty mashed 30 home runs in 2017 but holds a career .239/.318/.442 line in his six year career. Maybe the Halos get something out of Schebler, but it’s not worth getting their hopes up.

Adding another outfielder might block paths for younger prospects, but it might give the Angels the best chance at winning in 2021.

Last offseason, the Angels expressed interest in Joc Pederson and even made a trade for him before it was soon nixed by owner Arte Moreno. A year later, Joc Pederson is a free agent, so it would only make sense that the Halos would go after him this offseason, right?

Wrong.

The difference between then and now is that Pederson had one year left on his contract, and he figured to be a good temporary option while the Angels outfield prospects developed some more. Also, with Pederson in free agency, he will likely be seeking a multi-year deal, something that would not be a good fit for the Angels. Time to move on.

The same logic could be applied to most current free agents, so it doesn’t seem likely that the Angels would look to make a signing to address the outfield. However, with Adell expected to begin the season back in the minors and Upton’s performance up in the air, it might make sense to make a similar trade as they attempted last season; trading for an outfielder in the last year of their contract.

Taking a look at the next free agent outfield class, a few names stick out as possible candidates.

Corey Dickerson (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

The Marlins have a bit of an outfield logjam of their own. The projected roster lists Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte, Garrett Cooper, Lewis Brinson, Harold Ramirez, and Magneuris Sierra as the expected outfielders to be on the opening day active roster. They also have Jesus Sanchez and Monte Harrison knocking at the door.

It’s a peculiar situation for Miami. On the one hand, they are in a tough division, headlined by the Mets and Braves, but on the other hand, they did make the playoffs last season. Whether or not Dickerson sticks around is factored by how the Marlins view their team.

Corey Dickerson would bring a high batting average and slugging to the Angels outfield.

If Miami intends on competing, Dickerson will likely stay put, as he is one of the better names in that group of outfielders. If the Marlins believe that last season was a fluke and could take advantage of the shortened season, trading Dickerson may be a smart play for them.

If Dickerson is put on the trade block, should the Angels go for him?

Dickerson is a solid player, who as recently as 2017 was named to the All-Star team as a member of the Rays. In that season he slashed .282/.325/.490 with 27 home runs over 588 at-bats. He hasn’t reached that level of play since, but he has been extremely solid.

From 2018-2020, Dickerson has played for the Pirates, Phillies, and Marlins, hitting .292/.329/.484 with 32 home runs and 131 RBI (20 HR and 81 RBI per 162 games).

Objectively speaking, Dickerson would be an upgrade from Upton and Ward, and would provide the Angels with a productive middle-of-the-order lefty.

Kole Calhoun (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Another option a reunion with former Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun.

Heading into 2020, Calhoun had a $14 million option. Despite the lefty recording career highs in home runs (33) and runs scored (92), the Angels had a cheaper alternative in Goodwin and top prospect Adell waiting in the wings, so the Halos decided to decline his option and let him enter free agency.

Should the Angels consider a reunion with former outfielder Kole Calhoun?

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He later signed with the Diamondbacks for 2-years/$16 million. With the D-backs, he continued his power surge, hitting 16 home runs tied for 7th in the major leagues. That high power number also comes with a low batting average of .226. That average seems to be the norm for Calhoun, as he hasn’t hit above .250 since 2016, where he held a .271 batting average.

Although he hasn’t won a gold glove since 2015, Calhoun still carries exceptional defense. This past season, he had a UZR of 5.3 (15.6 UZR/150). That puts him at 6th in the entire league and 5th among outfielders. Ahead of him include Kevin Kiermaier, Trent Grisham, Joey Gallo, Evan Longoria, and Mookie Betts. So, good company. Having Calhoun back on the team would, without a doubt, be a defensive upgrade to the options the Angels currently have.

While Calhoun is similar to Dickerson because he is also a left-handed hitting corner outfielder, their profiles are opposites. Dickerson hits for a higher average with some pop, while Calhoun hits for a low average with high power. If the Angels decide to trade for help, it’s just a matter of what type of profile they’re looking for.

Jo Adell, Los Angeles Angels (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

I believe the Angels still view Jo Adell as their right fielder, so I don’t think they will bring in external help this offseason. The Halos will be eager to get their future star back at the big league level, so bringing in an extra body will cause serious logjam problems not long into the season.

The internal options the Angels have at the moment are capable. My prediction is that the Angels start the season with Upton in left, Mike Trout in center, Jared Walsh in right, and Taylor Ward as the fourth outfielder. When Adell is ready to return to the team, he will claim the right-field job and move Walsh to first base. Ward will likely steal starts away from Upton if he continues to struggle.

The current options in the Angels outfield will get their chance to become everyday starters in 2021.

One thing to keep in mind is that top prospect Brandon Marsh is also very close and may make a push to be called up this season, so it’s possible that he also factors into the left-field discussion.

The Angels currently have ample options for the outfield, so it wouldn’t make sense to bring in a player to solve the short-term problem. However, if Upton continues to regress, it may be in the Angels’ best interest to trade for a player like Dickerson or Calhoun during the season.

Next. Trade scenarios for Reds pitcher Sonny Gray

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The logjam creates more questions than answers, but I think there will be more clarity in due time. There is no need to worry about the outfield. Now go sign some pitching!

Home / LA Angels News

Adding another outfielder might block paths for younger prospects, but it might give the Angels the best chance at winning in 2021.

Corey Dickerson would bring a high batting average and slugging to the Angels outfield.

Should the Angels consider a reunion with former outfielder Kole Calhoun?

More from LA Angels News

The current options in the Angels outfield will get their chance to become everyday starters in 2021.

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