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LA Angels: 3 trade targets if the team decides to be buyers

By Evan Desai |
Jun 5, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (47) delivers a first inning pitch against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (47) delivers a first inning pitch against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 10, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Tyler Anderson (31) pitches in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Tyler Anderson (31) pitches in the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s unclear as to whether the LA Angels are going to be buyers or sellers this deadline season.

On one end, the Halos are over .500 and are going to get their cornerstone outfield pieces back very soon. On the other end, there are four non-wild card teams ahead of them competing for that second wild card spot right now.

If the team does choose to be buyers, however, they’ll need to go after starting pitching. Angels starting pitching has the sixth-worst ERA in baseball (5.04), the second-highest BB/9 mark (3.86), and tied for the fifth-highest WHIP in the MLB (1.38). There will be trade options for starters at the deadline.

No. 3 trade target for the LA Angels if the team decides to be buyers: Tyler Anderson

The LA Angels don’t have a ton of trade bait, and Tyler Anderson wouldn’t cost a ton of trade bait.

Anderson has been solid this year, posting a 4.35 ERA this year. He came into the season with some momentum, having a 4.37 ERA in 2020. After a lackluster 2019 campaign, he’s really turned it around and can be a reliable piece for the Halos.

He has just a 1.192 WHIP, which is obviously also significantly lower than the Angels current starting pitchers’ WHIP.

He’s a nice compliment to the Halos’ current guys. The Angels strike out a lot of batters, but walk a lot of batters. Anderson may not strike many guys out (just 7.4 strikeouts per nine), but only walks 2.2 batters per nine.

Anderson would be a nice arm to have, providing a bit more stability to the rotation.

May 29, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (47) reacts after giving up a two-run home run hit by Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (47) reacts after giving up a two-run home run hit by Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 trade target for the LA Angels if the team decides to be buyers: John Means

John Means is coming back from injury at the perfect time for the LA Angels to make this trade.

Means has dealt with injuries this year, but has now made a couple of rehab starts, and is looking like he’ll be back in the very near future.

Right now is exactly when the Angels need to kick the tires on the left-hander. The Orioles will be sellers, as they have no chance of competing this season.

Means is having a phenomenal year, putting up a 2.28 ERA while he’s been on the field (12 starts). He only walks 1.6 batters every nine innings, and has been an All-Star before.

He has a nice pedigree and is throwing darts all over the zone this year. His 0.831 WHIP is incredible, and would be one of the two best pitchers on the Angels’ staff if he came over.

Jul 8, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (30) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (30) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 trade target for the LA Angels if the team decides to be buyers: Danny Duffy

Danny Duffy would be an awesome trade piece to look into for the LA Angels.

Like Means, Duffy has dealt with injuries this year. The difference is, Duffy has already come back.

Duffy ended up missing time from May 13th to June 22nd, but has pitched five times since then.

In his two starts this month, he’s posted a 3.00 ERA. Overall, he’s posted a 2.53 ERA this year.

He’s been consistent throughout his career, posting a career ERA of 3.95. He contributed to a 2015 World Series run with the Royals.

The Royals are far from that, however, as they cooled all the way down after their fast start. They’ll be looking to sell, and the Angels need somebody who they know can be consistent in the rotation.

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Duffy is one of those guys, as well as the other two listed here. If the Angels buy, they need to call each of these three clubs.

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