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3 upcoming free agents in World Series that the LA Angels need to sign

By Evan Desai |
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 27, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Kendall Graveman (31) celebrates with catcher Martin Maldonado (15) after defeating the Atlanta Braves in game two of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Kendall Graveman (31) celebrates with catcher Martin Maldonado (15) after defeating the Atlanta Braves in game two of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

The LA Angels are probably watching this World Series as closely as possible.

There are so many great players who will be available in free agency this offseason that are playing in the Series right now.

Three of them would fit the Angels perfectly, and need to be brought in this winter.

No. 3 upcoming free agent in World Series that the LA Angels need to sign: Kendall Graveman

The LA Angels need bullpen help badly, and Kendall Graveman is a cheap option who can play.

Graveman posted a 1.77 ERA this season between playing for both the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros. Sitting at an 0.982 WHIP, he struck out 10.6 batters per nine innings since heading to Houston.

There’s also so much to like about who Graveman’s been in the playoffs. He’s allowed just one run in eight innings pitched (seven appearances). He’s quietly one of the best relievers in baseball.

I don’t like the four walks he’s allowed in the playoffs, but he doesn’t let anyone score, which the Angels’ bullpen can’t relate to.

This is a guy who was on the trade block at the deadline this summer, and we didn’t come up with him. Now that he’s available for just money and no assets this winter, we need to get a deal done.

Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of game four of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 upcoming free agent in World Series that the LA Angels need to sign: Zack Greinke

The LA Angels need to go and acquire Zack Greinke again.

They don’t need to sign him to be their Ace, and won’t. He’s not the pitcher he once was back when he played for us, but the six-time All-Star is still one of the more trusted pitchers in the AL. He has one of the best resumes in the Big Leagues.

He’s still got some left in the tank, as he posted a 1.170 WHIP this season and walked just 1.9 batters per nine innings.

Signing Greinke would also obviously get him out of our division rivals’ hands. He’s of course pitched in the AL West for a while now, and has experience going up against these hitters.

He fit well with the Angels the last time he was over here, and as a seasoned veteran, can probably mentor all the young arms we have coming up in this organization.

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. 1 upcoming free agent in World Series that the LA Angels need to sign: Justin Verlander

Justin Verlander is hurt right now, but he’ll likely be healthy next year, and that’s what matters for the LA Angels.

When a pitcher as good as Verlander is on the market, teams who need a top arm need to go out and spend the money.

Verlander’s a former MVP, and he’s a two-time Cy Young award winner. In 2019, the last time he was healthy (only started one game in 2020), he won the Cy Young while posting a 2.58 ERA and league-best 0.803 WHIP.

He struck out over 12 batters per nine innings and walked just 1.7 batters per nine innings.

He clearly has plenty left in him. He obviously also has experience pitching against teams in this division, and that would be valuable too. He too can be a mentor to our young guys who have recently moved up the Minor League ranks and onto our Big League squad.

Next. 3 things Angels need to do to get to World Series

The Halos have a lot of great options in free agency, but a few of the very best options are still heading to the ballpark right now.

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