3 players LA Angels should sign if luxury tax threshold is increased

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Nov 2, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) would be a polarizing get for the LA Angels if he signed with Anaheim. / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the past, LA Angels owner Arte Moreno has shown reluctance to spending up to the luxury tax threshold.

If during this lockout, MLB decides on raising the luxury tax threshold, then perhaps Moreno would be more interested in spending. Of course, that wouldn't mean that he'd be down to reach the threshold, but it very well could result in him upping the amount of money he'd be willing to spend.

It would create a lot of chaos across the league, with owners throwing as much money at top players as they can. If the threshold is increased (beyond 2021's $210 million), then the Halos should be in on these three free agents.

No. 3 player LA Angels should sign if luxury tax threshold is increased: Carlos Correa

Carlos Correa would be an intriguing option for the LA Angels. He's not my favorite shortstop remaining in free agency (continue reading), but he certainly has a lot of upside.

Coming off of an All-Star season, Correa won his first Gold Glove this past year. Having him and David Fletcher man the middle infield would result in the best defensive infield in baseball. All four guys would have a legit chance at Gold Gloves.

A two-time All-Star, Correa has a solid career .277/.356/.481 (.837 OPS) slash line and outperformed all of those numbers in 2021. He knows this division perfectly, and signing him would not only improve the Angels but also give the Astros a lot of trouble.

I do, however, want the Halos to go for the cheaper option, who is quietly the better player offensively:

Sep 21, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) is a shortstop the LA Angels should sign. / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 player LA Angels should sign if luxury tax threshold is increased: Trevor Story

Trevor Story would actually be the better option for the LA Angels. He'd be cheaper, as Correa has already reportedly turned down a 10-year/$275 million from Detroit. He's also the better offensive player.

Don't believe me? Let's compare career numbers. On the left and bolded is Story's numbers, and on the right is Correa's:

.272 AVG----------.277 AVG

.340 OBP----------.356 OBP

.523 SLG----------.481 SLG

.863 OPS----------.837 OPS

34 HR per 162 Games----------28 HR per 162 Games

98 RBIs per 162 Games----------105 RBIs per 162 Games

101 Runs per 162 Games----------94 Runs per 162 Games

39 Doubles per 162 Games----------35 Doubles per 162 Games

6 Triples per 162 Games----------2 Triples per 162 Games

22 Stolen Bases per 162 Games----------7 Stolen Bases per 162 Games

125 wRC+----------134 wRC+

Story gets the nod. And even if you disagree that he's not as good of a hitter, you have to admit he's the better overall offensive player when factoring in who he is as a base stealer. This is the same player who led the National League in steals in 2020.

He had 15 steals in the 60 game season. That's more than Correa's ever had in any season.

But I know, "Story plays in Coors Field!'...I also know that I'd like to see how good Story would be able to be if he knew what pitches were coming for three years in his prime.

Oct 14, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Kenley Jansen should be signed by the LA Angels. / Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 player LA Angels should sign if luxury tax threshold is increased: Kenley Jansen

Kenley Jansen would be a massive addition for the LA Angels. We already have Raisel Iglesias to close, but the truth is, Jansen's done great in this league in other roles. At the beginning of Jansen's career (2010 and 2011), he wasn't a closer and still thrived.

He posted a 2.12 ERA with a 178 ERA+ and 1.77 FIP. He fanned 15.3 hitters per nine frames, teasing the type of pitcher he'd become.

It goes to show that he doesn't need to close to be as effective as he is. A guy who's been in the league for 12 years, he has a lot of valuable experience that would be very beneficial for our younger arms to be around. If we can go into next season with a three-headed monster in Iglesias, Aaron Loup, and Jansen, we're going to be VERY tough to beat.

Next. 10 stars you forgot were LA Angels. dark

Currently, we're at a bit over $161 million in payroll. Originally, I expected Moreno to get to $200 million--no more. If the threshold becomes higher as we come out of this lockout, however, I could potentially see Moreno going a bit over $200 million.

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No. 3 player LA Angels should sign if luxury tax threshold is increased: Carlos Correa

No. 2 player LA Angels should sign if luxury tax threshold is increased: Trevor Story

No. 1 player LA Angels should sign if luxury tax threshold is increased: Kenley Jansen

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