Building the dream LA Angels Opening Day starting rotation after MLB lockout

No. 2 starting pitcher in dream LA Angels Opening Day starting rotation: Carlos Rodon

Carlos Rodon has already been linked to the LA Angels this offseason in free agency. If Rodon signs with the Halos, he'll have just as high a ceiling as anyone, other than maybe Syndergaard because Thor has already proven that he can pitch at an elite level in the playoffs. Speaking of the playoffs, though, they suggest that Rodon is healthy.

While Rodon missed a bunch of starts this year, he came back to pitch at the end of the year and in the postseason. He's healthy now, and the Halos need to take advantage of him still being available when this lockout ends. We've spent just over $161 million for the 2022 payroll.

MLB Insider and former GM Jim Bowden suggested that Rodon may only cost about as much as Syndergaard did. That's $21 million for next year, and that would give the Halos opportunity to still fix the bullpen with some more nice additions, and also afford the No. 1 pitcher on this list.

And he'd be worth it too, as the 2021 All-Star also finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting.