Angels Rumors: Are the Halos done adding pitchers?

As pitchers and catchers begin reporting to spring training sites later today, it appears the Angels are content to open camp with their current group of players.

General Manager Perry Minasian has been busy this offseason addressing the Halos weaknesses, and the moves have all been low-risk and cost-effective. The fans want more.

That’s not to say the additions won’t give the Angels a chance to earn a playoff spot, but I think they are viewed as one-year rentals. Owner Arte Moreno and his front office are hoping for the best, but the reality is this they are more focused on next season and beyond.

Last Thursday, Minasian explained more additions are possible, but it doesn’t sound like the team is in any rush.

"“Never say never, Minasian said. “There’s a possibility that we could add to the current group we have. But we are prepared to go into Spring Training with what we currently have, we feel like we’ve upgraded the roster in a lot of different areas over the course of the offseason, so is it a possibility? Yes. Will it actually end up happening? We’ll see.”"

Players will continue to sign in the next few weeks, but whether or not the Angels will add remains to be seen.

Pitching was one of the Halos’ glaring weaknesses that has been addressed, but there is still a feeling that it is not enough on paper.

Angels GM Perry Minasian seems content to head into spring training with the current group of players.

Last week, Jake Arrieta signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Cubs, while James Paxton signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Mariners.

Some notable starting pitchers still available on the free-agent market are Jake Odorizzi and Taijuan Walker. If the Angels choose to go cheaper than that, they could also look at experienced players like Cole Hamels and Rick Porcello.

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Unless the Halos plan on parting ways with Griffin Canning and Andrew Heaney, I don’t think there will be another starting pitcher added before the regular season begins. Shohei Ohtani, Patrick Sandoval, and Jaime Barria are also pitchers the team would like to see as potential rotation options for the future.

If the Halos add more pitching in the next few weeks, I think it’d be in the form of a reliever. Minasian revamped his bullpen, and I’d argue he is one elite arm away from having one of the best ‘pens in the league.

A lot of free-agent relievers went off the board last week after San Diego signed Mark Melancon and Keone Kela (pending physicals), and Oakland brought in Yusmeiro Petit (one-year, $2.55 million) and Sergio Romo (one-year, $2.25 million). Left-hander Justin Wilson has also agreed to a deal with the Yankees, pending a physical.

Among the available options are Trevor Rosenthal, Roberto Osuna, Jeremy Jeffress, Tyler Clippard, and Shane Greene.

The Angels currently have ~$18.8 million left on their 2021 payroll before hitting the luxury tax, so there is still room to add one or more of these players.

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I can understand not adding signing another starting pitcher right now, but I think it would be a mistake for the Angels not to add one or more relievers. If Moreno and Minasian can afford it, why not?