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

The LA Angels have an incredibly influential offseason coming up here.

The Halos were expected by many to win the American Least West division this year, and then didn’t even finish .500.

With the offseason being very important for this team, we at Halo Hangout gathered together and answered the four toughest questions of the offseason for this franchise.

No. 4 biggest question of the offseason: What should the LA Angels do about the shortstop situation this offseason?

David Rice, Contributor:

“I think for shortstop we get a guy for two years at most while our young shortstops continue to develop.”

Jacob Cisneros, Contributor:

“I sort of agree with David about shortstop, however, I do think the Angels should go and get the cheapest of the shortstop class and I believe that would be Marcus Semien if my projections are right. That would give the Angels more competitive offense and time for the minor league shortstops to develop, no more than 3-4 year deal.”

Zach Levine, Contributor:

“With starting pitching taking priority over shortstop, combined with the unlikeliness of us going over the luxury tax, the top guys like Correa and Story are out of the question. Luckily, the next best (and roughly $20-25 million/year) options are All-Star caliber guys like Javier Baez and Marcus Semien, both of whom would provide excellent value on both offense and defense. Take your pick, but at the end of the day either one would slot in and instantly give us one of the top middle infields in baseball.”

Craig Tyson Adams, Contributor:

“I’d get a slick fielding dynamo like Kevin Newman from the Pirates. The Royals have Bobby Witt Jr. at AAA so I’d try to pry him or Nicky Lopez away from them. Forget about offense. Get some defense cheap and spend on pitching”

Bradley Senecal, Contributor:

“When it comes to the future shortstop it is very important for Perry Minasian to be patient in the market. With the need to get a leader in the pitching rotation, signing a heavy in demand player at peak value will be counterproductive for the rest of the offseason. If a player such as Javier Baez or Trevor Story end up sitting on the market for a longer time than expected, and end up taking a shorter term (2-4 years) at a reasonable price tag they would be great options.

However if the free agent market proves to be too high in price, look for a trade option such as Nick Ahmed making sense to fill the whole. After the defensive debacle of Jose Iglesias, the team priority should be somebody who can exceed with the glove while any offense will be gravy in the lineup.”

Evan Desai, Editor:

“I totally get that the Angels need to spend money on pitching, but they also need a shortstop. There are options out there. Marcus Semien has really turned into a great player, and needs to be on their radar. Javier Baez and Corey Seager remain interesting as well.

The Angels need to attack this need through free agency because they do have money. They have enough to both improve pitching and sign one of these three.”

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.”