Angels Trade Shohei Ohtani for Two Pitchers from White Sox in Bold Move for Playoffs
In a surprising move, the Los Angeles Angels have decided to trade star pitcher Shohei Ohtani in their quest to make the playoffs this season. While many may question the team’s decision from a baseball perspective, it’s hard to criticize them for taking a bold risk in Ohtani’s walk year.
The Angels acquired two pitchers, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López, from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for two prospects. Both Giolito and López bring valuable assets to the Angels’ pitching rotation.
Giolito, a former first-rounder, has transformed his pitching style since joining the White Sox. By shortening his arm action and developing a changeup, Giolito has become a durable and consistent pitcher. While he may be more suited as a mid-rotation guy, moving to a strong pitchers’ park could improve his performance.
Meanwhile, López has shown great improvement since the White Sox converted him to a reliever. His fastball has been effective against hitters, and he has proven to be a reliable high-leverage option. With Giolito likely becoming the team’s second-best starter and López their best reliever, this trade seems justified despite both pitchers becoming free agents after 2023.
The White Sox receive two prospects in return, including catcher Edgar Quero, who was ranked in the top 100 preseason prospects. While Quero had a stellar 2022 season in Low A, he has struggled this year after being skipped over High A. However, Quero’s ability to draw walks and show promising contact quality suggests he could develop into an above-average player with time and proper development.
The other prospect involved in the trade is Ky Bush, the Angels’ second-round pick in 2021. Despite a solid debut season in Double A, Bush has been dealing with injuries and a decline in velocity this year. With some adjustments and improvements, Bush could become a valuable asset for the White Sox.
Critics argue that the Angels missed an opportunity to trade Ohtani last winter for a significant return. However, this trade signifies the team’s determination to make the playoffs while Ohtani is still with them. The move could influence both players and fans, potentially convincing Ohtani to re-sign with the team or attracting more attendance for the remainder of the season.
Overall, this trade makes sense for both teams, with the White Sox potentially coming out on top in the long run. But if the Angels can secure a playoff series as a result, it will undoubtedly be considered a successful move, given the team’s long postseason drought and the presence of two incredible talents in Ohtani and Mike Trout.
(Photo of Lucas Giolito: Joe Nicholson / USA Today)