Angels’ free agent alternatives after complete list of qualifying offer candidates revealed

The Los Angeles Angels' multitude of needs means that plenty of players could be on their radar this offseason. However, given the fact that the farm system has just begun to rise from the ashes, the Angels would be wise to avoid qualifying-offer free agents. That takes eight players, most of whom would've been fits for Los Angeles, off the board.

While this represents a lot of the top-tier talent, it also helps open up different pathways for the Angels. The club still hasn't picked a true direction, with trade rumors continuing to swirl around Reid Detmers and Zach Neto. Even if the Halos decide to take a step back and keep building through the farm system, legitimate big league talent is needed on the roster, and pivoting to guys on short-term deals could hold down the fort until the youth movement is in full swing.

Gleyber Torres is the Angels' best Brandon Lowe alternative

Brandon Lowe is the best second baseman on the market, and with Christian Moore failing to grab the mantle, an addition here makes a lot of sense. Unfortunately, while paying big money to a 32-year-old infielder might have been in play, doing so plus giving up a draft choice isn't wise.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is the younger, more dynamic option and might even come at a discount, but maturity issues make him a poor fit for a young team. The real pivot here is Gleyber Torres. A long-rumored Angels target, Torres might be able to be had for a one-or-two-year deal and can stabilize the position until Los Angeles has a future building block. On top of that, the Angels have big strikeout problems and rarely walk. Torres helps fix those concerns with a superb walk rate (13.6% in 2026) while consistently striking out less than 20% of the time.

Instead of Ryan Jeffers, Carson Kelly is the veteran catcher the Angels need

There are long-term questions about Moises Ballesteros' future behind the plate, but while Los Angeles is figuring out whether or not he can handle the defensive responsibilities, adding a veteran catcher is a must. Ryan Jeffers would've been the dream, but instead Carson Kelly is the path the Halos should take.

Ballesteros really struggled with the bat, which was supposed to be his strong suit. Kelly's a competent overall hitter, but really excels against left-handed pitching, which could protect the young left-handed hitting backstop. If Ballesteros falters again, Kelly is capable of stepping into the lineup every day and producing. Jacob Cozart looms as well, and if the club ultimately decides that he's the future, Kelly can serve as a veteran mentor and a bridge.

Instead of Adrian Morejon the Angels should pivot to Bryan Abreu

Adrian Morejon seemed to be at the top of almost every team's list, and his contract was going to get to astronomical heights for a non-closer reliever. The Angels need bullpen help all around, but again the price to win the bidding plus the draft capital cost make Morejon a non-starter.

Bryan Abreu has been one of the league's best setup men for years. While he's struggled whenever called upon to fill in for Josh Hader, he's thrived in the eighth inning. He posted a 7.91 ERA from Opening Day through June 2 with Hader on the IL. From June 3 through the end of the season, his ERA was 1.87. The Angels could snag him for a lower-than-expected price due to the mediocre nature of his overall stats, but if slotted in the right place, he's every bit as good as Morejon, if not better.

Instead of Seiya Suzuki or Randy Arozarena, the Angels should go after Randal Grichuk

Adding to the outfield to give the lineup a power boost is a good idea, but the top two players, Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena, are likely eliminated as qualifying offer recipients. Instead, veteran Randal Grichuk could be exactly what the Angels need, especially if John Mozeliak ends up pulling the trigger on some of these deals.

The former St. Louis Cardinal crushes lefties and had a resurgent 2026 campaign, slashing .287/.314/.566 with 15 homers over 280 plate appearances. He's not quite the everyday solution that the higher-tier guys are, but he fills a role and also stood out as a mentor on the revitalized 2026 White Sox.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow