LA Angels: 3 free agents that the Halos should keep

1 of 3

Steve Cishek, LA Angels. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

The LA Angels aren’t in the offseason just yet, but I know many fans are already preparing for it due to this season growing a bit disappointing.

I get it, as the Halos and their $3.6 billion owner are looking to have a big offseason this winter.

The Angels are going to be willing to spend money, and I hope they’ll be willing to use that money to re-sign some of the free agents that are currently on our roster.

No. 3 free agent that the LA Angels should keep: Steve Cishek

Steve Cishek has overall been pretty solid for the LA Angels.

He has the third-best ERA among relief pitchers on this team at 3.40. He’s done this for a total of $1 million this season.

He’s not going to cost a ton more than that this year, especially because we can point to his 1.491 WHIP as a sign that he’s not worth a huge payday. He is worth keeping around though, as he’s been one of the most consistent pieces on a bullpen that surely needs help.

He’s not a big strikeout pitcher, but I like having a unique delivery to come into the middle of the game and give the team a couple of innings.

On top of that, he’s been a very effective closer in his career before (73 saves from 2013 to 2014), and can come in late as well.

He’s had the busiest workload of any Angels reliever this season, and he’s handled it well. He needs to be back with the Angels next year.

Alex Cobb, LA Angels. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 free agent that the LA Angels should keep: Alex Cobb

Alex Cobb was a pretty strong trade piece for the LA Angels at the deadline. He’ll be coveted yet again this offseason.

Cobb has been inching back to the pitcher he once was in these last two years, and before his injury, he was pitching really well.

We know Cobb has a 3.82 ERA this season and a 1.262 WHIP. What we also need to realize, however, is how good he’s been as of late.

In his last six starts, he had posted a 2.36 ERA, and given up just a .227 batting average. Teams were only getting on 29.1% of the time when facing Cobb.

He’s only walked three batters per nine innings this season, and has had a nice command on his pitches this year.

His ceiling is the type of production he put up in 2013. He put up a 2.76 ERA that year, and had a 1.151 WHIP. Those were career-best marks.

I think Cobb can get back to that. He’s getting closer, and he’s struck out 9.7 batters per nine innings this year, which is easily the best of his career. If he’s back next year, I could see him realizing his full potential as early as even next year.

LA Angels, Raisel Iglesias, Max Stassi. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 free agent that the LA Angels should keep: Raisel Iglesias

Raisel Iglesias has been outstanding this season for the LA Angels. He didn’t have the best start, but he has really elevated his game to now standing as one of the best closers in the MLB.

He’s second in the AL in saves with 27. These types of closers don’t grow on trees. The Angels really need to prioritize keeping him around.

He strikes out 13.7 batters per nine innings. His stuff is so filthy it’s actually terrifying. I like a closer who can strike guys out at a rate like that.

That’s a career-best mark for Iglesias, and so is his 0.880 WHIP.

This is his fifth season of a sub-three ERA, and it goes to show just how dominant Iglesias is.

He needs to be on this team next year, as do the other two in this article.

Next. Devastating details emerge about the Angels organization

The Angels have a lot of free agents to re-sign this offseason, and these three need to be the priority. It needs to be the first step for a great offseason from Perry Minasian and the rest of the front office.

Home / LA Angels News

No. 3 free agent that the LA Angels should keep: Steve Cishek

No. 2 free agent that the LA Angels should keep: Alex Cobb

No. 1 free agent that the LA Angels should keep: Raisel Iglesias

Schedule