3 potential trades to fill LA Angels starting pitching need

No. 2 potential trade to fill LA Angels starting pitching need: Luis Castillo

The LA Angels are seen as the frontrunners for Luis Castillo, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman. This is notable because not only did Bowden report that the Halos are in on Castillo, but rumors had suggested that the Cincinnati Reds didn't want to give him up.

Heyman reporting what he did shows that the Reds must still indeed be willing to trade Castillo, which is huge for the Angels. Castillo is arguably the best starting pitcher considered on the block right now and he's young.

Reports suggest that it's going to take a package around Brandon Marsh to complete a deal for Castillo. If so, then the Angels shouldn't have to give up much more for Castillo.

The Reds would likely want a couple of starting pitching prospects in the Minors to try to fill the positional need after dealing Castillo. Hopefully, some projected mid-rotation starters in Landon Marceaux and Jack Kochanowicz (or less) would be enough if the Angels want to follow through with a deal for Castillo.

No. 1 potential trade to fill LA Angels starting pitching need: Chris Bassitt

Chris Bassitt is the most ideal trade candidate of the LA Angels this offseason that has been rumored to be a possibility. Bowden also had the Angels going after him. He really does see the Angels as players in this expected A's fire sale.

Bassitt would cost a lot, and certainly more than just Marsh. They too would want some pitching compensation in addition to a stud prospect like Marsh. The Angels should not, and would not, be interested in dealing Reid Detmers or Bachman to a division rival, but they possibly could be open to trading their next-best pitching prospect in Ky Bush.

Bush has tremendous upside as a power pitcher, as he already can get up to 96 consistently at times and has great size and length at 6'6", 240 pounds. He's got a true beauty of a slider that also drops like a curveball. That movement is untouchable, and he's got a good fastball already too.

He very well could be enough to add on to a trade with Marsh for Bassitt, and the Halos might be interested in making that deal due to Bassitt playing his best baseball right now, and being able to help the Angels immediately. They may prefer to go after Bassitt, who can help them right now, over keeping Bush for the future. Bush isn't expected to be in the Big Leagues until 2024.

The Halos may try one of these trades, or something similar to acquire pitching that they've made clear is a priority for them. Pitching has held the team back for a long time now, but they have a chance this offseason to right the ship there.