3 LA Angels players most likely to be traded after MLB lockout

After this MLB lockout, the LA Angels need to acquire more pitching--either in the starting rotation or the bullpen.

In order to do that, the Halos might have to go the trade route in place of finding gems in free agency. The Halos have been rumored to be in on trade talks with the Oakland Athletics and Miami Marlins, so they've definitely been thinking about how they can assemble the right trade packages.

Since then, it has become obvious as to who the top three trade chips on this team are. They are the most likely Angels to be traded after the lockout ends, if the Angels choose to make more trades this offseason.

No. 3 LA Angels player most likely to be traded after MLB lockout: Justin Upton

Justin Upton's $28 million is a lot for the LA Angels to try to bank on for next year. While Upton has performed on the Angels when healthy, he's not healthy very often. Take last year for example.

In the month before Upton got hurt, he was moved to the leadoff spot and hit .326/.420/.600 (1.020 OPS) with six home runs and 25 runs scored. It's why Maddon has continued to defend Upton despite lots of criticism from fans. After the injury, however, Upton really struggled, limping through 26 games before the team finally accepted that he was not recovered yet.

If the Halos can get rid of his contract in the right package, the front office very well might do it. Upton can play when he's healthy, but he's been battling injuries for three years in a row now.