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

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.