3 prospects LA Angels can afford to trade this year

1 of 3

Arte Moreno, LA Angels / Jayne Kamin-Oncea/GettyImages

The LA Angels are going to need to be busy once this lockout ends if they want to contend in 2022. Pitching is still a major need on this roster--mostly in the starting rotation, but also in the bullpen as well. There's not a ton of trade bait in this organization, but trading may be the only way LA can improve this staff.

The Halos drafted nothing but pitchers in the 2021 MLB Draft--literally. The trade chips for the Angels to pick from in this farm system to trade should probably not be pitchers (except for one exception I will get to shortly). There are a few trade bait candidates in our current Major League outfield, but they may not move the needle on their own.

Regardless of whether Anaheim decides to make some trades after the lockout, or at the deadline, one thing that always goes well with other clubs when trading for Major League players is Minor Leaguers to package them with. Here's three prospects that can help the Angels seal the deal on some trades.

No. 3 prospect LA Angels can afford to trade this year: Ky Bush

Ky Bush is the only exception I have to the 'no Minor League pitchers in LA Angels trades' rule. That's because while he is a good enough prospect for teams to take interest in, he's not one of our sure-fire guys. The Halos would be foolish to try to trade Reid Detmers or Sam Bachman.

We know those guys are going to be studs. While our second-round pick from last year does have a killer slider that even appears as a curveball at times due to its strong north-and-south action, he's not a sure thing due to his other off-speed being a work in progress, and a walk problem resurfacing a bit in high A ball last year (3.8 BB/9).

No. 2 prospect LA Angels can afford to trade this year: Arol Vera

Arol Vera is one of the top LA Angels prospects at the shortstop position, and he does have some upside to him. He's a tremendous fielder right now, and has a cannon. The issue, however, is that he isn't the fastest shortstop. While he is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the system right now, he may not continue to perform at that level if he slows down.

The Halos need a shortstop, so keeping Vera in the system would be nice. Considering that there still are two shortstop prospects better, however, Vera very well may not be all too needed. If there is a way to include him in a package for a young and high-impact starter, that should be pursued.

Mar 1, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Jordyn Adams, LA Angels / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 prospect LA Angels can afford to trade this year: Jordyn Adams

Jordyn Adams is arguably the best position playing prospect that the LA Angels have, and he plays a position that the Halos have a surplus at. The team doesn't need to keep another outfielder, and therefore can afford to trade Adams. There are a lot of teams that would be interested in him, and the Halos shouldn't be afraid to trade him.

Imagine the return they could get in a trade if they packaged Adams in the deal. Adams is trending up very much defensively, and is one of the fastest players in the Minors. There are many teams who would be interested in his services. The Angels outfield is already filled up with Mike Trout, Brandon Marsh, Justin Upton, Jo Adell, and Taylor Ward, so many teams would likely need him more than the Halos.

Next. 10 stars you forgot were LA Angels. dark

While the Angels do have a poor farm system, there still are some guys who can help the Angels make some deals. While each of these players have potential, the demand for stellar pitching on the Angels is as high as it can get. If they can find any ways to acquire young, high-level pitching, they need to follow through with it.

Home / LA Angels Prospects

No. 3 prospect LA Angels can afford to trade this year: Ky Bush

No. 2 prospect LA Angels can afford to trade this year: Arol Vera

No. 1 prospect LA Angels can afford to trade this year: Jordyn Adams

Schedule