Angels Rumors: 3 players who have increased their trade value this spring

The Angels filled a void at the shortstop position after the anticipated departure of Andrelton Simmons, trading for veteran Jose Iglesias.

In his first month as general manager, Perry Minasian sent two minor-league players to Baltimore in exchange for Iglesias. The Halos absorbed the final one-year, $3.5 million of Iglesias’ contract. That figure is a bargain given the offensive production from Iglesias in 2020.

The 31-year-old slashed .373/.400/.556 line with three home runs and 24 RBI in 39 games last summer. Iglesias has carried his strong production into spring training as a member of the Angels.

2021 Spring Training Statistics:

• Iglesias (13 games): .276 BA 1 HR 5 RBI 0 BB 3 SO .552 SLG

What I like most about what I’ve seen from Iglesias isn’t his numbers, but it’s the hustle he brings. Iglesias has hit two triples this spring, one of which went into the left-center gap. Rather than just pull-up to second base as most players do, Iglesias motored into third. This type of hustle, in an exhibition and from a player with a guaranteed roster spot, sets a standard for the rest of the team.

The all-out effort from Iglesias this spring hasn’t been limited to offense. He’s shown off his highlight-reel defensive skills he has been known for in his nine-year career.

The upcoming shortstop free-agent class is loaded with superstar talent. Carlos Correa, Javier Baez, Fransisco Lindor, Corey Seager, and Trevor Story are among the big names to hit the market. Iglesias isn’t regarded in the same caliber as those players, but he is still a solid option in the prime of his career.

His team-friendly 2021 contract will make him an easy target for contending teams who need help in the middle of their infield. It would only be a rental for half a season, but if Iglesias is swinging the bat well, he could land the Halos a top prospect.

In the past two seasons, Justin Upton has underperformed  in Anaheim. The Angels are currently on the books for two-years, $52.7 million, which is a turn-off for any team interested in Upton. However, his recent performances in spring training could have a contending team reconsider.

Spring Training 2021 Statistics:

• Upton (11 games): .333 BA 3 HR 5 RBI 2 BB 8 SO .750 SLG

The Angels would also have to factor the no-trade clause in Upton’s contract. Assuming the scenario fits and he would play for a team competing for a World Series, maybe there’s a chance Upton would waive this.

There is also a likelihood the Halos would have to eat a significant portion of Upton’s contract. It might not seem reasonable at first but the Angels have Jo Adell, Brandon Marsh, and Jordyn Adams waiting for their shot in the big leagues. At some point, the Halos need to consider how they can give their young talent meaningful repetitions at the MLB-level.

The salary dumps aren’t uncommon, we’ve seen the Angels acquire Dexter Fowler and Alex Cobb with the Cardinals and Orioles paying a large majority of their contracts just to have them play elsewhere.

At this point in his career, it’s safe to assume Upton won’t be a .300 hitter. He’s streaky, but when he’s on, he’s one of the best in the league with his ability to slug. A hot-bat around July could be enough for a team in need of offensive power to take their shot.

Just as fast as the Angels retooled their starting rotation in the past two seasons, I think we can expect the same in the near future.

Dylan Bundy, Jose Quintana, and Alex Cobb headline the projected top three spots, with each set to become free agents after this season. It’s possible the Halos continue extension talks with Bundy and maybe a re-signing of Quintana following the conclusion of the 2021 season. However, I don’t see the Angels bringing back a 34-year-old Cobb.

My theory is the Angels traded for Cobb strictly to flip him for future pieces in July. If he performs well, great, but he’s not coming off a season where you expect Cobb to carry the rotation into the playoffs and beyond.

Contending teams always look for starting pitching at the trade deadline, and if he continues to perform like he has this spring, Cobb will be on the move.

2021 Spring Training Statistics

• Cobb (3 games): 7.2 IP 4 H 2 ER 4 BB 8 SO

He’s not going to dominant opposing offenses, but Cobb’s ability to go six to seven innings with an ERA around the mid-3 is what will make him an attractive arm later in the season.

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For the sake of the Angels, I hope they are in a position to buy rather than sell their assets this season. However, it would be unrealistic to label them as a true World Series contender, given their average offseason additions.

Placeholders, one-year rentals, whatever you want to call them, it’s what they are. The ownership and front office won’t admit it, but they’ve built this team to unload in July if things are not working out well.

Winning would be a bonus.