Ex-MLB GM has LA Angels among best fits for 5 colossal free agent pitching names

The LA Angels have so far missed out on many quality free agent starting pitchers this offseason.

The offseason is by no means over, however, and former MLB GM and current MLB analyst for CBS Sports, The Athletic, and more, Jim Bowden has the Angels among the best fits for three big-name starting pitchers and a couple of great relievers.

The Halos have spent just over $160 million this offseason, and have already re-signed Raisel Iglesias to a four-year deal. They have the money to go ahead and spend on a couple big pieces when this lockout ends.

No. 5 colossal free agent pitching name Jim Bowden has LA Angels among best fits for: Michael Pineda

Michael Pineda is not a preferable option for the LA Angels. Bowden still has the Halos as a fit for him, however, most likely due to him pitching well WHEN HEALTHY in these past few years.

He's only started 53 games in the past few seasons, which is very low even with 2020 being shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic. When he has been out there, he's looked good. He's posted a 3.80 ERA in these past three years with a 116 ERA+ and 1.191 WHIP.

He doesn't walk anybody, averaging just 1.8 walks per nine innings since 2019. He's posted winning records in each of his past four years.

The Halos don't need anyone who's as injury-prone as Pineda, but the options in free agency are thin right now. If Pineda heads to Anaheim, he needs to stay durable for it to be a successful signing.

No. 4 colossal free agent pitching name Jim Bowden has LA Angels among best fits for: Yusei Kikuchi

Yusei Kikuchi had a great start to his season, but fell off and that's why I don't want him on the LA Angels. Bowden, however, sees him as a fit due to having good 'stuff' and being durable throughout his career.

He did point out, however, that he posted a 7.70 ERA in his last eight starts. Bowden did suggest that this was due to fatigue over him taking on a stronger innings load than he did in the past. I just don't buy that because every pitcher dealt with an innings increase from 2020 to 2021.

Also, he pitched even more innings in his other full-schedule season in 2019, throwing 161.2 innings that year. He hit 157 this season, which would have led this team by a long shot. I still don't like his end of season slump, where he allowed a .310 batting average and .927 OPS.

Kikuchi posted a 4.61 FIP this year and is a 4.97 career-ERA pitcher. I'll pass.

If he comes here, he'll at least know how to pitch against this division. There's not too much else to be excited about.

No. 3 colossal free agent pitching name Jim Bowden has LA Angels among best fits for: Collin McHugh

Collin McHugh is an intriguing fit for the LA Angels.

He can both pitch out of the bullpen AND open ballgames. McHugh is coming off of a monster year where he posted a 1.55 ERA and an insane 256 ERA+.

As a starter (or opener) last year, he surrendered zero runs in 12 innings (seven games). If the Halos ever choose to go with an opener due to them needing to go with a six-man starting rotation, then McHugh is about as good of an option as it gets. They could also use him for multiple bullpen roles that they need.

They could use him in the middle of games or as a long reliever. Imagine a bullpen headed by Iglesias, McHugh and Aaron Loup. That would be spectacular.

As a bullpen guy, McHugh was a spectacular 1.90 ERA pitcher with a 1.019 WHIP. Pitching in this division for many years with the Astros, he'll have some familiarity with our division and its ballparks. Striking out 10.4 batters per nine innings and walking just 1.7, McHugh would be a great pickup for Anaheim.

No. 2 colossal free agent pitching name Jim Bowden has LA Angels among best fits for: Carlos Rodon

Carlos Rodon has been rumored to maybe be headed to the LA Angels not too long ago. Rodon is one of the two best remaining starters on the free agent market still left. Coming off of a year where he finished in the top five of AL Cy Young voting, Rodon was sensational last year.

Rodon posted a 2.37 ERA this past season, and recorded a 183 ERA+. While Rodon had some durability issues come back to haunt him a little bit during the season, he came back to pitch at the end of the year and in the postseason, so he's healthy now.

As far as what type of deal he'll sign, Bowden had some interesting thoughts there.

"Health will be the most significant factor for him this offseason and determine whether he gets a multiyear contract," wrote Bowden. "If not, expect him to sign a deal similar to the one Noah Syndergaard received from the Angels (one year, $21 million)."

The Angels can absolutely afford that. Perhaps this is why the Angels have only signed one major free agent starting pitcher, and let Alex Cobb walk. Perhaps they have been eyeing Rodon this offseason.