The Los Angeles Angels have major needs to fill in their starting rotation heading into the 2021 season, and it sounds like they are committed to finding a way to add an ace.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported on Wednesday that the Angels are “determined to add a top-of-the-rotation starter.” He says top free agent starting pitcher Trevor Bauer is one option, but L.A. could also pursue a trade for someone like Tampa Bay Rays ace Blake Snell.
Folks are convince the #LAAngels are determined to add a top of the rotation starter. Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer is the obvious option, and the LA/UCLA product may relish a homecoming. The top trade options may be Sonny Gray and Blake Snell; the list of No. 1 guys is short.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2020
The Angels’ top three starters currently are Dylan Bundy, Andrew Heaney and Griffin Channing. They combined for a 3.91 ERA last season, which is respectable. All three would be better suited as middle-of-the-rotation arms, however, and L.A.’s team ERA of 5.09 ranked 25th in the majors. It makes sense that they are pursuing a No. 1 starter.
The Angels made a huge splash last offseason when they signed Anthony Rendon to a $245 million contract, but they still finished 26-34 and have not had a winning record since 2015. The lack of an ace has been a big reason for that.
