Projecting LA Angels Opening Day starting rotation during MLB lockout

No. 3 starting pitcher in projected LA Angels Opening Day starting rotation: Frankie Montas

According to MLB insider and former MLB GM Jim Bowden, the LA Angels have "had conversations with Oakland about Frankie Montas and Chris Bassitt." As for Bassitt, they'd likely have to deal Brandon Marsh in that package. As for Montas, they may not have to trade as much.

Perhaps they would have to trade Jo Adell, or hopefully (and possibly) even a lesser prospect. We want to keep Marsh and Adell if we can, so trading for Montas would be an awesome way to acquire a quality guy without trading away too much of our future.

And we of course need pitching more than anything, so it makes sense as to why the Halos are already talking to the A's about him. The Angels have been developing Marsh since 2016. They will likely want to keep him if they can, so I see them taking the option where they can keep their future star center fielder.

That would mean that out of the three teams Bowden says they're talking to (Reds for Luis Castillo, Oakland, and Miami), the legit option that still won't cost us our best prospect would be Montas. If I had to make a projection of who will be in our rotation, I have him in the fold.

The Halos are currently also being linked to Carlos Rodon in free agency, but they've been reluctant to add starters through the free agent market after Noah Syndergaard. They acquired Lorenzen, but let many top free agent starters head to other teams. They are going to want to cash in on the A's fire sale instead to bring in someone new, as they can not only hurt the A's but also improve our team.