Angels Make Bold Trade in Pursuit of Playoffs
The Los Angeles Angels made a daring move on Wednesday night, trading away top prospects in an effort to improve their chances of reaching the playoffs. This move comes as the team aims to make their first postseason appearance since 2014 and potentially convince star player Shohei Ohtani to stay with the team long-term.
The trade involved the acquisition of right-hander Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox. Both players are potential free agents, making them “rentals” for the Angels. In return, they gave up catcher Edgar Quero and left-hander Ky Bush, two of their most promising prospects according to MLB Pipeline.
While the trade may have its risks, the Angels’ ownership and management are determined to go all-in. Owner Arte Moreno, who previously hesitated to trade Ohtani, is fully committed to winning with the superstar player. Giolito and López, while not stars themselves, are expected to provide stability to the team’s pitching staff.
However, this trade is not the end of the Angels’ aggressive approach. They are also likely to pursue further deals before the trade deadline, despite their playoff odds standing at only 17 percent according to Fangraphs.
The financial aspect of this trade sheds light on Moreno’s urgency to win. The additions of Giolito and López have pushed the team’s payroll over the luxury-tax threshold, a territory Moreno has never been willing to enter. This indicates the importance the owner places on Ohtani’s future with the team.
The ultimate goal for the Angels is to convince Ohtani to re-sign with them when he becomes a free agent. As one of the most sought-after players in the league, Ohtani is expected to carefully evaluate his options, including the strength of prospective teams’ farm systems. The Angels, therefore, need to ensure they maintain a strong foundation of young talent.
General Manager Perry Minasian has emphasized the presence of young players already on the team, such as catcher Logan O’Hoppe and pitchers Chase Silseth, Reid Detmers, and Ben Joyce. The hope is that Ohtani will trust the organization’s ability to develop more top prospects.
While making the playoffs may not be the decisive factor in Ohtani’s decision, the Angels are determined to show their commitment to winning. This includes going over the luxury tax threshold and making trades to improve the team’s roster. With the imminent return of Mike Trout from injury and a comparatively easier schedule in September, Ohtani may have a chance to experience a pennant race for the first time since joining the team in 2018.
This bold move by Moreno, the team’s owner, is particularly surprising considering he placed the team up for sale just last year. However, he has since withdrawn the sale and is now fully invested in the team’s success.
The Angels are well aware of the challenges they face in making the playoffs and re-signing Ohtani. However, they are determined to push forward, embracing their “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead” mentality. Only time will tell if this calculated gamble pays off for the team and its devoted owner.
(Top photo: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images)