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

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:

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.

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.