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LA Angels: 3 Mariners trade targets if team is willing to sell in-division

By Evan Desai |
Jul 7, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners reliever JT Chargois (84) delivers a pitch during a game against the New York Yankees at T-Mobile Park. The Yankees won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners reliever JT Chargois (84) delivers a pitch during a game against the New York Yankees at T-Mobile Park. The Yankees won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 27, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Chris Flexen (77) throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Chris Flexen (77) throws against the Houston Astros during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

The LA Angels are in a tough spot when it comes to the trade deadline right now.

They’re about a .500 team, and they’ve got injured stars coming back. It’s unclear whether they should buy or sell right now.

The Seattle Mariners could be a potential trade partner at this point, now that they’ve shown that they’re willing to trade within their division.

No. 3 Mariners trade target for the LA Angels if team is willing to sell in-division: Chris Flexen

If the Mariners are down to trade with the LA Angels, the Halos could use a Chris Flexen. The Angels don’t really know what’s going on with their four and fifth spots in the rotation, and could use any help they can get.

Flexen would totally be a huge help for the team. After a rough start to his career, he’s 9-5 this year with a 3.81 ERA. He only walks 1.8 batters per nine, and would come in and be arguably the third-best starter on the Angels.

Listen, I really wouldn’t trade Flexen, or anyone, within my own division. That being said, the M’s trading Kendall Graveman to the Astros goes to show that they’re willing to do it.

If Seattle wants to sell, look for Flexen to be somebody that the Angels could be interested in pouncing on. If he was the Mariners’ Ace, he may be a little too valuable for the Mariners. He’s performing at a level that’s too good for the Angels not to kick the tires on, but not good enough to where he’s untouchable for the Mariners.

Jul 7, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners reliever JT Chargois (84) delivers a pitch during a game against the New York Yankees at T-Mobile Park. The Yankees won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners reliever JT Chargois (84) delivers a pitch during a game against the New York Yankees at T-Mobile Park. The Yankees won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 Mariners trade target for the LA Angels if team is willing to sell in-division: JT Chargois

The Mariners have already traded a reliever to a division rival, and if they’re down to do it again, the LA Angels should check in on JT Chargois.

Chargois had some inconsistencies to start out the first few years of his career. This year though, nobody would be able to tell. His WHIP is down to 0.876, and he only walks 1.8 batters per every nine innings.

Chargois looks great, and his trade value will reflect that. If the Mariners are willing to sell (which their Graveman trade makes it seem like they’re at least thinking about it), Chargois would be a legitimate trade chip.

The Angels don’t have enough quality relievers in their pen, and could steal one from a team also contending for a Wild Card playoff spot.

Chargois’ ERA is at 2.12, which is a dream for the Angels. The Mariners have a lot of arms, and they don’t need all of them.

Jul 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Oakland Athletics during the third inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 Mariners trade target for the LA Angels if team is willing to sell in-division: J.P. Crawford

A J.P. Crawford trade from the Mariners to the LA Angels would be a pretty big deal, and would be complicated.

I overall like the Angels’ infield for sure, but Crawford has something that the Angels don’t: Defense.

The Angels have a -25.5 defensive fWAR, which is the second-worst in the Majors. Their .982 fielding percentage is in the bottom five in the league (all stats in this article are as of 7/28/2021).

I trust Crawford’s defense, however, which won a Gold Glove last year. That glove will make more of an impact than people realize.

Crawford has only sat one game all year, being a very available starting shortstop on a solid team with elite defense. That’s a piece that the Angels should be interested in. He’s only 26.

3 pitchers who have more trade value than you think. Next

If the Angels choose to buy, there are options on another AL West team. If that team is willing to continue to sell, they may consider the Angels as a trade partner.

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