Tarik Skubal’s comments should spur Angels to reshape their narrative this offseason

Things have radically changed for the Los Angeles Angels and their fans. The trajectory of the franchise already shifted for the better after Perry Minasian was sent packing and John Mozeliak began to restore order to the franchise.

But the news of Arte Moreno selling the team to Stan Kroenke has ushered in a level of optimism that hasn't been present in Anaheim for years. Surprisingly, even Tarik Skubal seems to have taken notice, and that could bring an entirely new level of intrigue.

Speculation as to where Skubal would land once he become a free agent this offseason has been rampant for years now. He's arguably been the best pitcher in baseball and, as many feared, the Dodgers traded for Skubal at the deadline. They're also the prohibitive favorite to sign him once he becomes a free agent as well. But Skubal may be looking to get more teams involved in the bidding.

Recently, Skubal was asked by the media about his thoughts on the Angels having a new owner. While he didn't talk specifically about his pending free agency, he did speak glowingly of the change in Angels' ownership and provided as close to a real hint as we are going to get that he might consider signing with the Angels. LA would be foolish to let the opportunity pass them by.

Tarik Skubal is daring the Angels to try and sign him, and they should absolutely call his bluff

Skubal may have just given the politically correct answer in terms of PR, and he definitely didn't give any guarantees. It isn't as though he was ever going to say that the Angels had no chance to sign him. However, by saying, "It is likely that players that might not have considered signing with the Angels might now do so” feels very pointed coming from the pitcher who is about to be one of the most highly coveted free-agents we've ever seen.

Is it possible that Skubal's comments are a ploy by himself and agent Scott Boras to get as many teams involved in his free-agent market? Of course it is. But that doesn't mean that Skubal is wrong in his assessment, nor does it mean that the Angels shouldn't bother trying to sign him.

Right now, Angels fans are hopeful, but also beaten down from a decade-plus of ineptitude. They have seen the few big contracts the Angels have inked be disappointing to varying degrees thanks to age (Albert Pujols), injuries (Mike Trout), and even a lack of desire to play baseball (Anthony Rendon).

Even if the Angels don't sign Skubal, which remains extremely likely, sending a signal to fans that there's a new sheriff in town would go a long way. That should start with Skubal.

Who knows? Maybe Skubal isn't just playing games and would genuinely look at the Angels as legitimate destination. It isn't like he would have to worry about the marketing opportunities. However, there is only one way to find out, and that is for the Angels to call his bluff. Either way, the Angels would come out ahead.

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