LA Angels: 4 biggest questions of the offseason answered by HH staff

No. 3 biggest question of the offseason: If you’re Minasian, who is the No. 1 SP you’re doing everything to acquire?

David Rice, Contributor:

“The pitcher I would go after is Robbie Ray and Ryu as both could be really good for a few years to come.

Max Scherzer is a good option but I think he might get overpriced especially if Dodgers win World Series.”

Jacob Cisneros, Contributor:

“I’m going against the grain in this one and taking Carlos Rodon. While I understand he’s had issues with injuries and his last start in the postseason was awful, I think that his stuff is really good and he could be one of the more affordable starting pitchers on the market. That being said, I would just be fearful if he takes the QO (qualifying offer) and doesn’t hit the market.”

Zach Levine, Contributor:

“With top prize Max Scherzer likely out of reach, it’d be best to focus on getting one of the other (and younger) starters available. Ideally, we’d sign two experienced veterans here, namely a co-ace in Marcus Stroman and a solid mid-level lefty in Alex Wood. Stroman is a no brainer, coming off the best season of his career, while Wood had his best season since his All-Star 2017 campaign. If they’re valued appropriately, both can be signed for a combined total of around $30 million/year.”

Craig Tyson Adams, Contributor:

“Mad Max obviously. Gausman for sure. Ray is fragile.

Stroman is from Queens. I think he stays a Met. I’d take a shot at Verlander and Greinke. Cueto, Kluber; they will contribute and be mentors for the young guys.”

Bradley Senecal, Contributor:

“The pitcher that the Angels should go after is Marcus Stroman in the free agent market. Stroman is coming off one of his best seasons in a prove-it type year on a Qualifying Offer, and will be looking to cash in.

The main pull for Stroman is his attitude and compete level along with his talent. The team has great pieces in Trout, Rendon and Ohtani but doesn’t have that vocal leader who can get everyone’s attention. Stroman is known for sometimes being outspoken but will bring the winning attitude to the club. As a side note for players to look at is Tyler Glasnow from Tampa Bay, but seeing as he is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery he won’t be able to immediate help the Halos.”

Evan Desai, Editor:

“I’m throwing everything I can at Max Scherzer. I get that he’s older, but he’s shown quite literally no signs of slowing down at all. He’s become an even better pitcher since the trade to LA, and likes this area.

If things don’t work out, I like Kevin Gausman, Robbie Ray and Marcus Stroman. Those three are hot right now, and while I’m also interested in Justin Verlander, that may be a bit of a risk to go with someone who’s coming off of a serious injury like that”

No. 2 biggest question of the offseason: What should be the LA Angels’ plan for the outfield next year?

David Rice, Contributor:

“Let the kids play and either trade Upton or teach him first base so he can spell Walsh there, and then spell Ohtani and Marsh in the OF.”

Jacob Cisneros, Contributor:

“It’s the same as David here, you let the kids play in Marsh and Adell and have Trout continue to mentor both of them. I think their value changed since their call-ups to the big leagues and now might be harder to trade, at least Adell for sure. You see if there is a bad contract swap for Upton, maybe more pitching depth? And I think the time to trade Adell and Marsh has gone, it was reported that the Angels were in on a Scherzer trade at the deadline and I think that might have been the last time we hear Adell and Marsh in trade talks.”

Zach Levine, Contributor:

“Keep it simple. Trout, Adell and Marsh as starters, Ward and Lagares as backups, and in case of emergency, Walsh, Gosselin and Ohtani can fill in. As for Upton, package him with a couple of prospects, maybe eat some of the salary, and send him anywhere but here.”

Craig Tyson Adams, Contributor:

“It’s Upton’s walk year. He’s going to work consistently. He wants the next bag. Trout, Marsh and Adell.

I’d like to see Fowler back. If Upton is gone Jorge Soler would be a good pick up. Jerrod Dyson is a rabbit. The club desperately needs speed.”

Bradley Senecal, Contributor:

“I won’t go too crazy with this but keep the outfield as is. Start the year with Trout along with the kids, Marsh and Adell, and a safety blanket in Upton. While Upton has struggled with both productivity and health the last couple of years, an initial bench role could do him well along with spelling out the young players if there is a bad stretch of games.”

Evan Desai, Editor:

“I really don’t think it’s realistic to trade Upton. He has very little trade value as of right now. I also don’t think keeping Upton is such a bad option. He was absolutely raking for the Angels before his injury, proving he still has what it takes to be the guy he was brought in to be.

I don’t know that he should be a full-time starter, however. I think he, Adell and Marsh need to split time in the corners while Trout still starts in center every day. That benefits everyone involved. Upton has his chance to turn it around, and we’re not putting too much pressure on the young guys.”

No. 1 biggest question of the offseason: Who should the LA Angels look for with bullpen help this offseason?

David Rice, Contributor:

“I like Petit; he would be great in a set up role.  I think Oliver Ortega could be good as well as Warren. Definitely need to resign Iglesias; our best closer since K-Rod”

Jacob Cisneros, Contributor:

“In the bullpen, I might receive some pushback. I think if the price goes too high, then they don’t re-sign Iglesias. I always believed that relievers are too volatile and would be scared if hitters start figuring out Iglesias next year. Possibly guys like Corey Knebel and Daniel Norris make a little more sense to me.”

Zach Levine, Contributor:

“Priority one is resigning Iglesias. As for other returners, I actually think Mike Mayers and Steve Cishek did well enough this year that I would bring both back for a low price and use them as low-leverage innings eaters. Beyond them, getting a couple of effective 7th and 8th inning guys to serve as setup men to Iglesias are a must. For around $5 million each, Mychal Givens and Hector Neris fit this bill perfectly, without breaking the bank.”

Craig Tyson Adams, Contributor:

“Keep Cishek, Mayers and Iglesias, he’s earned it. Aaron Loup, they’d have to overpay. Brad Hand.”

Bradley Senecal, Contributor:

“First off the major need is to retain Rasiel Iglesias, easily the most important move of the offseason.

Looking at the rest of the current pen, Mike Mayers had a great end to the season after a rough start so his strikeout stuff is important moving forward. Steve Cishek has a lot of value and would be nice to see at a low deal. Austin Warren and Jose Marte are two players I am super excited for in the future and I hope they secure roles. Lastly Kendall Graveman is a guy I would love to see come in through free agency and could really put the bullpen in a comfortable position going into the season.”

Evan Desai, Editor:

“Re-signing Raisel Iglesias is a no-brainer, and there’s no excuses to not get that done. A lot of our other pitchers are replaceable with the exceptions of Steve Cishek and Mike Mayers. So I feel no loyalties to anyone except those three.

As far as external options, I like Kendall Graveman, Kenley Jansen, and Brad Hand. I like Craig Kimbrel of course, too, but the White Sox could easily just pick up his option and make that not a possibility for us.”

The Angels are going to need to kill the offseason if they want to win this division, which needs to be the goal for next year.