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

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.

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.

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

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