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

Heading into spring training, the Angels retooled their roster with players who share the same similarity. The new additions join current Halos whose deals will expire after the 2020 season, totaling ten players who will hit the free-agent market in the offseason. This does not include arbitration eligible players or anyone on a minor-league contract who could make the Opening Day roster.

Only Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Justin Upton, and Shohei Ohtani are under contract for next season. This leaves significant flexibility in the team’s payroll to sign the high-level free agents the Angels missed this past offseason.

Is it possible owner Arte Moreno and general manager Perry Minasian get a head start on a retool for the 2022 season? Absolutely, which is the reason why they structured their roster with one-year rentals. If the Halos fall out of contention by the trade deadline, current players will be shipped for young assets.

The Angels have one of the worst farm systems in the league, and a quick way to improve this is through trades. It’s  a worst-case scenario, but the best way to get their hands on young talent without having to solely rely on the MLB Draft.

Through three weeks of spring training games, there are a few Halos who look to be in midseason form. The hope is this success transitions into the regular season and helps the Angels win meaningful games. If the Angels aren’t in a position to compete for a World Series in 2021, the following players will be on the move.

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.

Want your voice heard? Join the Halo Hangout team!

Write for us!

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.