3 free agents LA Angels should 'overpay' for when lockout ends

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Sep 10, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) delivers / Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Angels haven't been as active in free agency as many fans had hoped, but the offseason's not over.

This MLB lockout has us feeling like the offseason's over, but there will eventually be time to pick up free agents again. While 'overpaying' for free agents isn't the safest practice, some players need to be overpaid due to the state of the free agent market, and what price players/players of those positions are going for. It's important to be selective of who a GM overpays for.

There are three players the Angels desperately need. If they can only acquire them by overpaying, then so be it.

No. 3 free agent the LA Angels should 'overpay' for when lockout ends: Carlos Rodon

Carlos Rodon is someone the LA Angels are reportedly interested in, and I know why.

While Rodon has had durability issues in the past, he was an All-Star last year, and even when those durability issues came back, he returned for the end of the regular season and for the postseason.

The No. 3 overall pick has one of the highest ceilings in the Big Leagues. His season last year proved just that. Going 13-5 with a 2.37 ERA, Rodon was lights out.

He had a 0.957 WHIP, allowed just 6.2 hits per nine innings, and struck out 12.6 batters per nine frames. Recording a 5.14 K/BB ratio, there was a lot to like about his season.

He was a top five Cy Young finisher last year. If Arte Moreno and co. need to overpay a little for a starter like that, then so be it.

Aug 7, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Brad Hand (52) delivers a pitch / Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 free agent the LA Angels should 'overpay' for when lockout ends: Brad Hand

Brad Hand is worth overpaying for the LA Angels. Overpaying a reliever won't have the same effects on a franchise as overpaying some other positions with high price tags potentially would.

If the Angels can't pull off a trade for a starter, then they may not have all the resources they need to build a strong starting rotation until Chris Rodriguez comes back. They CAN, however, build a strong bullpen with the nearly $40 million they have left in expected payroll. They've already been willing to spend on Raisel Iglesias, and they should continue to spend on the pen.

Hand is a really good pitcher. Even last year, where his numbers weren't up to par with what we're used to, he still had a good statistical year. And don't let those overall stats fool you; he finished the year strong.

Once he went to the Mets, he looked like the Hand we are accustomed to. He pitched 16 times, recording a 2.70 ERA and allowed just 0.7 home runs per nine innings.

He's a three-time All-Star, and can be trusted with a giant contract.

Oct 16, 2021; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (74) throws / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 free agent the LA Angels should 'overpay' for when lockout ends: Kenley Jansen

Kenley Jansen is an elite closer, and the LA Angels already have one. They also already have an elite set-up man in Aaron Loup. I get why it appears that there's no space for Jansen on this team.

But Jansen is one of the best relievers in this league and has been ever since he set foot in this league in 2010. His stuff is untouchable, and he can throw the sixth and seventh innings. Anyone doubting that a 2.37 ERA pitcher who allows 5.7 hits per nine innings, and strikes out 13 batters per nine innings could pitch in a middle reliever role is kidding themselves.

Especially when considering Jansen has pitched in different roles throughout his career. I'll also add that we could move Loup into a sixth/seventh inning role, and have Jansen go to the set-up role. The New York Yankees have had success in the past by having three elite back-end relievers before, so the Angels shouldn't be scared to overpay for another reliever.

The bullpen was terrible last year. Worrying about spending 'too much' on it is a waste of time. All three of these players, however, would be great and significant upgrades for this team.

Next. Top 3 Angels first basemen of all-time. dark

Free agency needs to be taken seriously when baseball comes back.

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No. 3 free agent the LA Angels should 'overpay' for when lockout ends: Carlos Rodon

No. 2 free agent the LA Angels should 'overpay' for when lockout ends: Brad Hand

No. 1 free agent the LA Angels should 'overpay' for when lockout ends: Kenley Jansen

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