3 budget free agents the LA Angels should definitely pursue after the lockout

Sep 21, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Archie Bradley should be picked up by the LA Angels.
Sep 21, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Archie Bradley should be picked up by the LA Angels. / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Jake Diekman
Oct 1, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Jake Diekman (35) should be a free agent target of the LA Angels. / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Angels typically don't like to go over the luxury tax when it comes to spending money in the offseason, but that doesn't mean that there aren't ways to still improve the roster.

There are cheap options out there for when the lockout ends, and the Halos have no reason to ignore them. All would certainly improve the Angels, and improve them at positions of need.

The Halos currently sit at just over $161 million on the books for 2022. They certainly have more than enough to spend on any, or even all three of these players if necessary.

No. 3 budget free agent the LA Angels should definitely pursue after the lockout: Jake Diekman

Jake Diekman is someone who can come in and instantly help the LA Angels. He's been in the league for 12 years and has had few bad seasons. The relief pitcher has been very impressive in these last two years in particular.

His numbers in that time frame are awesome: He boasts a 2.96 ERA, a 139 ERA+, and has struck out 12.5 batters per nine frames. Diekman's experience in this division will also help, as he has played in this division for seven seasons.

He's got familiarity with these ballparks, and his veteran status and knowledge will be helpful for all of the young pitchers we'll have up next year for sure. We want experience in the staff--guys who can lead by example and have positive impacts that way. Diekman needs to be considered by the front office.