2 reasons why the Angels should consider a Luis Rengifo trade 1 reason they shouldn't

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The Los Angeles Angels will try and fortify their roster after winning just 73 games in each of the last two seasons. Doing so while potentially losing Shohei Ohtani will be tough, and will require Perry Minasian to get creative. The best way to do that is by making trades.

Unfortunately in that regard, the Angels are a bit restricted. They traded several of their top prospects at the deadline as they tried to compete, and didn't have many assets to move to begin with.

A player the team can consider moving in a trade is Luis Rengifo. There are reasons Minasian should pursue this, but also reasons he should be hesitant.

The LA Angels should consider a Luis Rengifo trade because he can net them a quality return thanks to a weak free agency class

Luis Rengifo is a player who has put together a pair of solid seasons in a row for the Angels. He's been an above-average hitter in each of the last two years, and is extremely versatile, appearing in six different positions in 2023.

While the versatility is great, he's primarily a middle infielder. He has played mostly second base in his career. For teams searching for a second baseman that can hit a bit, options in free agency are a bit hard to come by.

Players like Whit Merrifield, Adam Frazier, and Kolten Wong are the best second basemen available this offseason. It's so bad at second base to the point where Tim Anderson, a career shortstop, is open to playing second base if a team wants him there. Instead of relying on subpar talent or moving a player out of position, teams might be interested in Rengifo.

With an additional year of control after this one, Rengifo carries a bit of value as a player who wouldn't just be a rental. If the Angels can land a pitcher, whether it's a starter or reliever with team control, that's something they should seriously consider.

The LA Angels should consider a Luis Rengifo trade because he's far from a great fit

As discussed previously, Rengifo is primarily a second baseman. He has played all over the diamond, but is a poor defender in most places. Unfortunately, second base is already occupied by Brandon Drury. As is shortstop, the position he's played the second-most in the big leagues, as Zach Neto mans that position.

The Angels have Anthony Rendon (when healthy) at third base and a full outfield. Sure, right now with no Ohtani the Angels can probably stick someone at DH and pluck Rengifo into the field, but chances are the Angels will sign a bat. If they do, Rengifo would be the odd-man out.

There's obviously value in having him as a utility man, and he'd still see plenty of at-bats, but Rengifo is at his best when he plays every day. We've seen that in each of the last two years. He's been thrust into everyday roles due to injuries, and has put up great numbers in back-to-back second halves.

The Angels being unable to put him in his primary position and being unable to commit to an everyday role for him are reasons to move on. Additionally, Rengifo is projected to earn $5 million in arbitration this upcoming season. Again, Rengifo is a valuable depth option, but is it worthwhile paying him $5 million when the Angels can sign a cheaper bench player and trade him for a pitcher? These are questions that have to be answered.

The LA Angels should not consider a Luis Rengifo trade because you can never have enough depth

The Angels should know this better than anyone. You really can never have enough depth. Injuries happen to every team, but the Angels have been bitten harder by the injury bug in recent years than just about any other team.

Angels fans are close to certain that Anthony Rendon is going to miss substantial time each and every season. It's just been how things have gone. Having Rengifo as a capable fill-in in his place at third base is extremely valuable and something the Angels should not take lightly.

Mike Trout is another obvious injury risk. Guess what? Rengifo can play center field. He played in six of the nine positions last season. Again, not a great defender, but he's capable. Plus, with Ron Washington now managing, his defense could easily improve.

Having a switch-hitter who has put together two above-average offensive seasons in a row and can play everywhere as a reserve option is extremely valuable. Considering the injury history the Angels have in recent years, parting with their best reserve option might not be the best plan.

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