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LA Angels: 3 dream pitchers that can quickly help fix the rotation next year

By Evan Desai |
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander celebrates the 3-0 win against the Oakland Athletics in Game 5 of the ALDS in Oakland, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013. Justin Verlander
Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander celebrates the 3-0 win against the Oakland Athletics in Game 5 of the ALDS in Oakland, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013. Justin Verlander
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Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.Washington Nationals At Cincinnati Reds Sept 24
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) delivers in the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.Washington Nationals At Cincinnati Reds Sept 24 /

The LA Angels have a starting rotation problem.

The fans have been calling for it to end for far too long now, and Perry Minasian needs to fix this right now.

He went all out in the draft, drafting all pitchers. He now needs to continue prioritizing pitching in the offseason, no matter what it takes. There are plenty of great arms on the free agent market, and one I really like in particular potentially on the trade block.

No. 3 dream pitcher that can quickly help fix the LA Angels’ rotation next year: Sonny Gray

Sonny Gray is a key trade target for the LA Angels this offseason, and needs to be pursued if the Halos have a tough time acquiring guys in free agency.

Gray had a rough end to his career in New York, but has improved his play with the change of scenery he got in going to Cincinnati. In Cincy, he’s posted a 3.49 ERA and a 1.154 WHIP. He recorded a 136 ERA+, and is actually a much cheaper option than either of the next two that will be in this article.

Gray is owed $10.2 million if the Angels go out and bring him here. Also, we don’t even have to bring him back if he fails in 2022 (which isn’t likely anyway). We can just turn down the $12 million club option.

This would be a low-risk move.

Oct 29, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals in game six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals in game six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 dream pitcher that can quickly help fix the LA Angels’ rotation next year: Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander is likely going to be healthy for next season, and the LA Angels need to take that seriously.

Verlander is a former MVP in this league, as well as an eight-time All-Star and a two-time Cy Young award winner. He’s won an ERA Title, and even a pitching Triple Crown.

Pitchers like this aren’t available too often. If the Angels have the money, which they do, they should 100% be going after Verlander.

He’s pitched in multiple World Series, having experience in dealing with clutch situations. He’s not only pitched in our American League since his rookie season in 2005, but he’s also been pitching in our division since 2017.

He’s got the right experience against the teams we’re going to be facing, and acquiring him means that we would prevent the division rival Houston Astros from bringing him back. It would be a massive win for this club. If we can fix our rotation with one of the best starting pitchers in history, we need to be doing it.

Oct 17, 2021; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitching against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in game two of the 2021 NLCS at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitching against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in game two of the 2021 NLCS at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 dream pitcher that can quickly help fix the LA Angels’ rotation next year: Max Scherzer

Another free agent arm who’s one of the greatest to ever start on the mound is Max Scherzer, and the LA Angels have been connected to him for quite some time.

They were interested in trading for him at the deadline. They didn’t get it done, but it’s been rumored that Scherzer really likes the city of Los Angeles. We knew we’d have a shot at going after him in free agency when his contract is up at the conclusion of this season.

Sure enough, Mike Trout has already been recruiting Scherzer.

Scherzer has been sensational since his trade to the Dodgers, playing the best baseball he ever has. He’s won three Cy Youngs, and has been an All-Star eight times.

He needs to be the number one priority of the offseason when it comes to bringing in external players.

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Any of these three guys, however, could improve our rotation.

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