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

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.