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Top 3 trade partners for LA Angels after MLB lockout

By Evan Desai |
Sep 28, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) should be on the LA Angels' radar for a trade.
Sep 28, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) should be on the LA Angels' radar for a trade. / Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 17, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) is being courted by the LA Angels via trade discussion.
Sep 17, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) is being courted by the LA Angels via trade discussion. / David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Angels have been linked to some giant trade rumors this offseason.

Of course, those talks have been put to a halt due to the MLB lockout, but the lockout will (hopefully) end eventually. They are looking for pitching, and starting pitching in particular. It's no surprise, as it's what the front office had told us they were going to go after towards the end of the season.

When this lockout ends, it's clear where the halos need to focus their trade efforts. There's three teams who have what the Halos need, and have those needs potentially available for the taking.

No. 3 trade partner for LA Angels after MLB lockout: Cincinnati Reds

Former MLB GM and current MLB Analyst Jim Bowden reported that the LA Angels are "trying to trade for Luis Castillo of the Reds." Not only that, but the Reds are rumored to have placed Sonny Gray on the block as well. We need pitching, and the Reds have it.

I'm not saying we should go after Gray. I think he had a down year in 2021. Castillo, though, is a guy who is absolutely worth going after.

MLB Network insider Jon Morosi said that he can see the Angels forming a package with Brandon Marsh to go and acquire Castillo. The Angels can't be stubborn with Marsh in this case, and be stern on keeping him. I love Marsh, but a young 3.72 ERA starter with proven All-Star capabilities would be more valuable to this team.

Aug 17, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) will hopefully be an LA Angel next year.
Aug 17, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) will hopefully be an LA Angel next year. / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 trade partner for LA Angels after MLB lockout: Oakland Athletics

Bowden also reported the the LA Angels have "had conversations with Oakland about Frankie Montas and Chris Bassitt." They've already been trying to work with the A's, so they should continue.

The A's also have another major key trade piece in Sean Manaea, who the Angels should be intrigued in as well. The A's have seemingly everybody on the trade block right now, as nearly everyone is expecting them to sell everybody. They had so much talent on their roster that selling everyone would bring back quite the haul in trade value.

The Angels could trade for Bassitt, and plug him into one of the top two spots in the rotation. They could trade for Montas, and plug him into the No. 2 slot. They could trade for Manaea and put him in a top three spot in the rotation.

There are so many great options here, and if the Angels can really try to kick the tires on all three, I wouldn't be surprised if they can at least acquire one of them. Getting one of them would not only be a great addition to the Halos, but would also hurt a division rival. They are absolutely one of the very best trade partner options for the Halos after the lockout.

Oct 3, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Florida Marlins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (49) is a great trade candidate for the LA Angels.
Oct 3, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Florida Marlins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (49) is a great trade candidate for the LA Angels. / Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1 trade partner for LA Angels after MLB lockout: Miami Marlins

Bowden never revealed names in his report about the LA Angels being interested in Miami Marlins' pitching, but did say that "they've talked to the Marlins about their pitching." The best trade chip that the Halos could get from Miami is of course Trevor Rogers, although he may be too good to trade.

An elite prospect, he's performed exceptionally well for the Marlins in the Big Leagues so far. He was the runner-up for NL Rookie of the Year this year, and he was an All-Star. Recording a 2.64 ERA and 2.55 FIP, it's pretty easy to see why.

Perhaps the Halos could get in on Pablo Lopez, who is dominant when healthy. Starting 11 games in the 60-game 2020 season, he was durable and great. He wasn't durable in 2021, but he was still great, recording a career-best 3.07 ERA and 1.120 WHIP.

If the Halos see him as injury-prone and don't want to go after him, that's understandable. I do, however, wonder if he's been on their radar due to Bowden reporting that they've been in contact with Miami. Perhaps they go the prospect route with Max Meyer or take on a project.

Next. 10 stars you forgot were LA Angels. dark

All in all, it's good to see the Angels discussing trades with other teams for pitching. It all comes down to the team actually making a move this time, and being eager to fix what's been their worst issue for too long.

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