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

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Aug 16, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Justin Upton (10) and New York / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Sep 4, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell (7) reacts after / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 LA Angels player most likely to be traded after MLB lockout: Jo Adell

Jo Adell has been speculated to be traded for quite some time. While he is a terrific prospect who has improved very much since his first taste of the Big Leagues in 2020, that makes him very valuable to other teams as well.

Adell hit two triples and drove in 26 runs in 35 games in '21. He's improved on defense, and many teams would be interested in making a move for him. The Halos are strong in the outfield, and would be able to handle the loss.

I wouldn't want them to do this, as we've spent years trying to develop Adell, and have had success. We should finish the process we've committed a lot of time to instead of moving off of him while we're already deep into it. If they want to net the biggest possible return for a legit starter, however, Adell may have to go.

This is why the Halos may want to elect to fix the staff through free agency, where there are plenty of cheap bullpen solutions and a couple of big starting arms still available. The trade market is where things get complicated.

Sep 29, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Brandon Marsh (16) hits a / Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 LA Angels player most likely to be traded after MLB lockout: Brandon Marsh

Back when Luis Castillo to the LA Angels rumors were a bit hotter, Brandon Marsh was expected to be the man to go by MLB Insider Jon Morosi. Marsh is similar to Adell in which he's one of few TREMENDOUS prospects that the Halos have, but that also would make for a lot of teams around the league to be intrigued.

And for the record, like with Adell, I don't want to see Marsh traded for the same reasons. We found ourselves a special talent that we're about to finish developing, so why move him? Realistically, though, he's the No. 1 Angel that teams are going to call us for.

He has ridiculous upside with his potential power and speed combination. He already has proven to be a plus defender in this league, and that speed is so valuable out in center or anywhere in the outfield.

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If you're an Angels fan who wants the Halos to trade for a Castillo, or a Chris Bassitt, or maybe a Frankie Montas, that's understandable. Due to us not having a strong farm, though, we may only have a couple of top prospects that can get us that type of return. Trading for a top starting pitcher may mean trading one of our top two young guns.

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

No. 2 LA Angels player most likely to be traded after MLB lockout: Jo Adell

No. 1 LA Angels player most likely to be traded after MLB lockout: Brandon Marsh

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