Angels Rumors: Why these 2 players could be reunited with Joe Maddon

As it stands, the first base position in Anaheim is occupied. Albert Pujols is playing in the final year of his historic contract, and Jared Walsh will get his opportunity to serve as the team’s first baseman of the future.

Walsh swung the bat well in a small sample size last season, but he still has to prove his productivity in a full 162-game season. Rather than bank on Walsh taking the next steps in his career, the Angels could have an opportunity to bring in a proven option in Anthony Rizzo.

Angels: Anthony Rizzo has been one of the league’s most consistent first basemen.

A three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Rizzo has proven to be one of the most consistent first baseman in the league over the past few seasons. He posted at least 30 home runs from 2014-2017 and had five straight 100-plus RBI seasons from 2015-2018.

Anthony Rizzo Last 5 Seasons:

• 2016 (155 games): (.292/.385/.544) 32 HR 109 RBI (All-Star)
• 2017 (157 games): (.273/.392/.507) 32 HR 109 RBI
• 2018 (153 games): (.283/.376/.470) 25 HR 101 RBI
• 2019 (146 games): (.293/.405/.520) 27 HR 94 RBI
• 2020 (58 games): (.222/.342/.414) 11 HR 24 RBI

Rizzo, 31, is coming off his worse season since his rookie year in 2011. Given his productivity up to this point, I wouldn’t be too concerned. That’s not the case for the Cubs, who reportedly low-balled Rizzo with a four-year, $60 million offer.

That figure per year is lower than the $16.5 million Rizzo is making this season. Somewhere in the neighborhood of five-years, $100 million is likely what Rizzo will be asking for in the offseason. A salary in that range would be more than affordable for the Angels, while still leaving room for additional players.

There are few players in the league as exciting as Javier Baez. As he gets set to enter the prime of his career, it’s possible the best is yet to come.

Baez, 28, is one of many Cubs and stars who struggled in the 2020 shortened season. He’s put up two All-Star seasons from 2018-2019, and is slashing a career line of .264/.304/.473 across seven big-league seasons.

Javier Baez Last 5 Seasons:

• 2016 (142 games): (.273/.314/.423) 14 HR 59 RBI
• 2017 (145 games): (.273/.317/.480) 23 HR 75 RBI
• 2018 (160 games): (.290/.326/.554) 34 HR 111 RBI (All-Star)
• 2019 (138 games): (.281/.316/.531) 29 HR 85 RBI (All-Star)
• 2020 (59 games): (.203/.238/.360) 8 HR 24 RBI

Angels: Javier Baez will be one of the most sought after shortstops.

What’s interesting about Baez is the loaded free-agent shortstop class he will be apart of in the offseason. Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Francisco Lindor, and Trevor Story are among the names headlining the market. All five will be paid heavily for what they are projected in their prime years.

Basing their potential deals off Fernando Tatis Jr’s 14-year, $340 contract is reasonable if they all perform at high levels in 2021. It’s possible this would be the most-expensive free-agent class in league history.

Joining those players will be current Angels shortstop Jose Iglesias. He won’t get paid nearly as much, but if he has another productive season Iglesias will be a more than capable option for teams who need a shortstop at a lesser price than the other big names. If the Halos swing and miss on Baez or the other top targets, expect another low-risk addition at the shortstop position.

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There’s still a long way to go, but the lack of contract extensions for Baez and Rizzo is something the Angels should keep a close eye on.