3 buy-low candidates LA Angels can sign for a 1-year deal after the lockout

Sep 29, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Tyler Clippard should be picked up by the LA Angels.
Sep 29, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Tyler Clippard should be picked up by the LA Angels. / D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 3
Next
Sep 26, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Yusmeiro Petit (36) should be someone the LA Angels try to poach.
Sep 26, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Yusmeiro Petit (36) should be someone the LA Angels try to poach. / D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Angels have some expensive needs this offseason.

Not all of the needs on the roster, however, can only be cured by signing pricey free agents, or dumping tons of trade capital. Some won't cost much, and some won't cost hardly anything at all.

If the Halos don't want to go over the luxury tax, they can still improve the roster drastically if they stock up with these three players.

No. 3 buy-low candidate LA Angels can sign for a 1-year deal after the lockout: Yusmeiro Petit

Yusmeiro Petit is one of the pitchers on the A's that we really need to either trade for or pick up in free agency. In Petit's case, it would be through free agency. Petit cost $2.55 million last season, so he shouldn't cost too much now.

He didn't perform well enough to demand a bigger bag this offseason, but he did perform well enough to prove that the Angels should make a play for him. Posting a solid 3.92 ERA and 1.038 WHIP, he's worth picking up for cheap.

He doesn't strike many hitters out anymore, but he also never walks anyone. Walking just 1.4 batters per nine innings last year, he has great control.

In the past five years, he boasts a sub-3 ERA and 141 ERA+. Posting an 0.962 WHIP, he's only walked 1.5 batters per nine frames. It would be great to have him pitch for us, and also great to pry him from an AL West rival.

Sep 18, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Tyler Clippard should be picked up by the LA Angels for cheap.
Sep 18, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Tyler Clippard should be picked up by the LA Angels for cheap. / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 buy-low candidate LA Angels can sign for a 1-year deal after the lockout: Tyler Clippard

Tyler Clippard would be a great option for the LA Angels, and in large part due to his versatility. Clippard's pitched the ninth inning before, he's pitched the eighth inning before, and he's pitched in the middle of games before. He'd be a fit because even though we already have an elite closer and Aaron Loup for the eighth, he'd still be a reliable guy to have in the staff.

A reliable guy he is: In the last four years, Clippard boasts a 3.21 ERA, a 1.039 WHIP, a 138 ERA+, a 9.7 K/9 rate, and a 6.7 H/9 rate. Clippard even started six games in that time. He's started 14 games in his career, and it shows that he can be used for long relief as well.

His last contract was $1.75 million for 2021, so he'll definitely come at a bargain this offseason. It wouldn't take much to go ahead and make a move for him, and he DOES have lots of experience pitching in American League ballparks. The two-time All-Star has played in all or part of seven seasons in the American League.

Sep 22, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Andrew Chafin (39) delivers
Sep 22, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Andrew Chafin (39) delivers / D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 buy-low candidate LA Angels can sign for a 1-year deal after the lockout: Andrew Chafin

Andrew Chafin is a pitcher the LA Angels should have on their shortlist, and following a common theme, he of course plays for the Oakland Athletics. I'm sure you guys are sick of me recommending these A's pitchers all lockout long, but it's a true fact that we need to take advantage of this fire sale up in Oakland.

If they end up trading everyone, I could see them opting to let Chafin walk. And we should stop Chafin on the spot and have him sign across the dotted line right away. Chafin has been trending up ever since he got out of Arizona during the 2020 season.

And that's saying something. He had a nice career in Arizona. But since, he has been remarkable.

He didn't pitch much for the Cubs after he went there in 2020, but did a good job in limited opportunities (one earned run in three innings).

This past year, though, he appeared in 71 games for the Cubs and A's. He had a 1.83 ERA and a 230 (!) ERA+. Strike while the iron's hot, and bring Chafin on to the Angels to continue this strong ride.

He's never made much more than $3 million in his entire career. He's not going for a lot of money. Sign Chafin, and consider the other two as well.

dark. Next. 10 stars you forgot were LA Angels

Rebuilding this bullpen doesn't have to be expensive.

Next