Top 3 LA Angels trade candidates for when MLB lockout ends

The LA Angels haven't had great luck with free agency this offseason, but can make things happen with trades once this lockout ends.

If they choose to go this route, it's very clear as to which players are on their trade block.

They reportedly are looking at trading for Luis Castillo on the Reds, Chris Bassitt/Frankie Montas on the A's, and pitching on the Marlins as well. These prizes will certainly demand plenty of compensation from us, so don't be surprised if a player or players on this list are gone if we bring in one of the big pitching names on the trade block.

No. 3 LA Angels trade candidate for when MLB lockout ends: Justin Upton

What's happened to Justin Upton in his LA Angels career has been a shame. After finishing 2017 hot after he was acquired via trade, Upton had a good 2018. Starting in 2019, however, he's been battling injuries.

It even got to the point this year where Upton wasn't even playing well when he was on the field. The injuries were taking their toll on Upton's performance, and they had to shut him down for the end of the year.

It's tough because when Upton's healthy, he's a good ballplayer. In the month prior to battling injuries this year, he was hitting .326/.420/.600 (1.020 OPS) with six home runs, eight doubles, and 25 R in 25 games. This is how the Halos will have to sell Upton when it comes to trades.

The Angels owe Upton $28 million this year. While Upton is good when he's healthy, banking on him to stay healthy isn't the most reliable move. If the Angels can't sign any more big starters in free agency and look to trade for one, Upton would be one of the first guys we'd look to trade.

His health is unreliable for us to keep paying him, but we can sell his production when healthy, the fact that he is going to be healthy coming into next season, and his talent and past strong resume.