No. 2 budget free agent the LA Angels should definitely pursue after the lockout: Archie Bradley
Archie Bradley did cost six million dollars in his latest contract, but he shouldn't cost that on the LA Angels. That's because he was on a very strong trajectory coming into 2021 that he isn't on coming into 2022.
So while he did cost six million last year, he shouldn't cost that for next year. He didn't have the type of year he did in 2020 this past season. But that shouldn't stop us from signing him, though.
He still had a good year, posting a 3.71 ERA, a 7-3 record, and a 113 ERA+. He allowed just 0.9 home runs per nine innings. He's a guy who's had success as a closer before, as well as in other roles.
He even has experience a a starter, which signals that he could potentially even be set to come in for some long relief opportunities. Either way, he'll cost less because he didn't have the 2.95 ERA and 2.59 FIP that he did in 2020. He's still a quality pitcher, and needs to be on the Angels' radar.
We've already made a splash in the pen with Aaron Loup. All we need is to find production for the right value now.