Angels Rumors: Halos still interested in signing free agent Jake Odorizzi

As the second week of spring training draws to a close, free-agent pitcher Jake Odorizzi remains unsigned. The Angels have been one of the teams reportedly showing interest in the right-hander and are still active in their pursuit.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic (subscription required) also reports sources informed him the Halos have continued to stay in touch.

Odorizzi, 30, was an All-Star in 2019 but was limited to just four starts last summer due to injuries. A blister and comeback line drive off the chest cut his season short.

Even with a number of different options currently on the roster, the Angels are still showing interest in free-agent pitcher Jake Odorizzi.

He’s shown flashes, but Odorizzi hasn’t exactly put up eye-popping numbers in his nine-year career.

Jake Odorizzi Last 5 Seasons:

• 2016: (33 starts) (10-6, 3.69 ERA) 1.194 WHIP 187.2 IP
• 2017: (28 starts) (10-8, 4.14 ERA) 1.242 WHIP 143.1 IP
• 2018: (32 starts) (7-10, 4.49 ERA) 1.345 WHIP 164.1 IP
• 2019: (30 starts) (15-7, 3.51 ERA 1.208 WHIP 159 IP (All-Star)
• 2020: (4 starts) (0-1, 6.59 ERA) 1.390 WHIP 13.2 IP

On paper, Odorizzi wouldn’t be a traditional dominant ace for the Angels.The hope is he can regain his stuff from the recent All-Star campaign when he averaged a 3.6 WAR.

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Baseball reference projects Odorizzi to post a 4.31 ERA and 1.309 WHIP through 94 innings pitched in 2021. The Halos will likely need better performances to compete in the American League.

It was reported Odorizzi is seeking a deal around the three-years and $15 million per season. The Angels currently have ~$18.9 million remaining before hitting the luxury tax penalty, but how close they are willing to get near the $210 million figure remains to be seen.

I believe if there were a team out there willing to pay Odorizzi that much, it would have happened already.

Let’s put Odorizzi’s situation in perspective with James Paxton and Jake Arrieta, who posted similar statistics and were also limited to injury last season. Paxton made $12.5 million (non-prorated) in 2020 and signed a one-year, $8.5 million with the Mariners. Arrieta made $20 million (non-prorated) last season and will play on a one-year, $6 million deal with the Cubs.

I think Odorizzi can expect a little more of a pay cut from his $17.8 million (non-prorated) from a season ago. How much will depend on which team needs a pitcher of his caliber the most.

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Just prior to spring training, general manager Perry Minasian explained a ‘possibility’ for the team to make additions in the next few weeks.

Whether or not it happens remains to be seen.