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3 players not given the Qualifying Offer that the LA Angels should pursue

By Evan Desai |
Oct 17, 2021; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw talks in the dugout during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves 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 pitcher Clayton Kershaw talks in the dugout during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the 2021 NLCS at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 12, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) reacts after striking out Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (not pictured) to end the first inning in game four of the 2021 ALDS at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) reacts after striking out Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (not pictured) to end the first inning in game four of the 2021 ALDS at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

With Qualifying Offer news dropping came some surprises that should be catching the attention of the LA Angels.

When a player doesn’t receive a Qualifying Offer, it could signal that they may end up taking less money than previously thought, as they don’t have that QO number to include in negotiations if they turn it down; hoping to get the same or more average annual contract value in a multi-year deal. This changes the game for a GM scanning the free agent market.

Players that originally were seen as potentially too expensive, are now real possibilities. In some cases, players who were originally thought to be likely to stay are now a bit more likely to leave after not receiving a Qualifying Offer. If other teams are willing to put their players out there for the Angels to potentially take, then the Angels need to do their due diligence.

No. 3 player not given the Qualifying Offer that the LA Angels should pursue: Carlos Rodon

If Carlos Rodon is going to be cheaper than originally thought this offseason, the LA Angels need to go after him. Rodon only pitched 24 games this season, but he finished the season. Durability should be mentioned in the negotiations, but it shouldn’t keep Perry Minasian from signing Rodon at the right price.

If Rodon wants No. 1 Ace money, then we need to pass. If he’s willing to go for money that would be justified as a middle-of-the-rotation guy, then there’s no reason to not pick up the 2021 All-Star.

Oct 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) works out on the field before game four of the 2021 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) works out on the field before game four of the 2021 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 player not given the Qualifying Offer that the LA Angels should pursue: Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw is still a very good pitcher in this league, but it looked like the LA Angels might have had to overpay for a 33-year-old if they wanted to sign him.

With the Dodgers not offering him the QO, it looks like his price tag may not be as expensive nowadays. If that’s the case, the Angels should absolutely look into a former MVP who’s posted a 3.10 ERA in these last two years.

He’s getting older, but he still averaged 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings, which is the best mark he’s had since his last NL Cy Young season in 2015. He doesn’t have the most polished postseason resume, but for what it’s worth did pitch well in the postseason during the pandemic season. Also, his struggles in the 2017 and 2018 World Series may not have been as bad if he wasn’t being cheated against.

If he’s down to be paid like a middle-of-the-rotation guy, the Angels should keep him in LA.

Oct 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani (26) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in game four of the 2021 NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani (26) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning in game four of the 2021 NLDS at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 player not given the Qualifying Offer that the LA Angels should pursue: Anthony DeSclafani

The reason Anthony DeSclafani needs to be No. 1 on this list for the LA Angels is because we know he’s not going to cost as much as Rodon or Kershaw, he’s more durable than Rodon and Kershaw, and he’s younger than Kershaw too.

And besides, while DeSclafani has had an up-and-down career, he’s certainly pitching with a lot of momentum right now. He had a 3.17 ERA this season (13-7) with a 1.091 WHIP. That ERA and record is much better than Kershaws’, and he started 31 games this year compared to Kershaw’s 22.

I’d take the cheaper player who’s multiple years younger, who’s been more available, and who’s been the better pitcher this year.

Next. A historic deal for Iglesias?

It’s close, and all three of these guys would be good options for the middle of our rotation. None of them should be picked up to be an Ace, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of our plans.

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