Because the MLB offseason begins to kick into excessive gear, there can be a whole lot of eyes on the Los Angeles Angels’ free company targets in 2023. Now that Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers is official, the Angels have misplaced the perfect participant in baseball from their roster. So what’s the Angels’ offseason plan as they attempt to rebuild with out Ohtani?
Angels free company targets 2023
It ought to go with out saying that the Angels’ free company targets in 2023 will revolve round pitching. The Angels at all times appear to lack the depth to place collectively a secure rotation.
It has turn out to be their greatest weak spot in recent times and the most important motive why they didn’t make the playoffs whereas having each Ohtani and Mike Trout. However there are additionally open spots within the Los Angeles lineup, particularly since Ohtani received’t be their main DH anymore. With a lot left to do that winter, let’s take a look at some free brokers who ought to be on the Angels’ radar.
J.D. Martinez
Now that they’ve Ohtani, the Dodgers received’t be attempting to re-sign J.D. Martinez. Which means he’ll be free for the Angels to pursue him. At age 36, Martinez isn’t the identical slugger he was in his prime.
However that additionally means the Angels received’t must decide to a long-term deal. He additionally had 33 homers and 103 RBI with an OPS of .892 in 113 video games for the Dodgers in 2023. He nonetheless has one thing left within the tank and will fill Ohtani’s DH position. The Angels may additionally promote him on staying in Southern California, making him an apparent goal.
Jorge Soler
If the Angels needed to go after a youthful DH who would require extra of a dedication, Jorge Soler could be an apparent goal. He’s a couple of years youthful than Martinez and slammed 36 homers with an OPS of .853 in Miami final season. The caveat is that Soler has had some harm points prior to now, hindering his energy numbers.
Alternatively, he had a season with 48 homers in Kansas Metropolis again in 2019. Soler may also play the outfield slightly greater than Martinez, giving the Angels some flexibility if they’ve accidents.
Shōta Imanaga
Ohtani isn’t pitching in 2024, so the Angels have been going to have so as to add some rotation items this offseason anyway. Why not add one other Japanese pitcher like Shōta Imanaga?
The artful lefty, who’s nicknamed “The Throwing Thinker”, most likely doesn’t fill the Angels’ want for an ace. However he ought to be an inexpensive mid-rotation starter. Imanaga is a proven pitcher in Japan who ought to have a comparatively fast adjustment to the massive leagues, particularly since his management and intelligence ought to match up effectively in opposition to MLB hitters who’re extra aggressive than the hitters in Japan. Imanaga is slightly beneath the radar however would undoubtedly be an asset within the LA rotation.
Blake Snell
If the Angels really feel the necessity to signal an ace and are prepared to open their checkbook, Blake Snell is the perfect remaining goal on the free-agent market.
After spending the final three years in San Diego, the Angels supply Snell the possibility to remain in Southern California. He additionally provides the Angels instantaneous credibility of their beginning rotation. After all, the marketplace for a pitcher like Snell is sure to be loopy after his 2.25 ERA in 32 begins gave Snell the second Cy Young of his profession. But when the Angels are critical about including an ace, Snell is the man they need.
Jordan Hicks
Amongst relievers in the marketplace, Jordan Hicks is arguably the best available and an apparent goal for the Angels. Whereas he comes with some harm considerations, Hicks is simply 27, so he has loads of time to develop out of these accidents and turn out to be a extra dependable late-game reliever.
There’s little doubt that Hicks has the stuff to be an elite nearer, making him an ideal addition to a different space of their roster that the Angels want to handle this winter.
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