Are the Angels Cooking? A Look at Their Offseason Moves (So Far)
- Daniel Arceo-Rodriguez
- Jan 10
- 4 min read
ANAHEIM, CA JANUARY 10, 2025
After finishing their worst season in franchise history, the Los Angeles Angels were expected to embrace a full rebuild rather than spend aggressively. However, they have already committed $100 million to new contracts and made several trades in an effort to remain competitive for the 2025 season.
The Angels wasted no time addressing their roster, kicking off the offseason just one day after the conclusion of the 2024 World Series with a one-for-one trade, acquiring right fielder Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for right-hander Griffin Canning. Shortly after, they added infielder/outfielder Scott Kingery from the Philadelphia Phillies for cash considerations.
The Angels made it clear within the first two days of the offseason that they were focused on competing in 2025, executing two trades right off the bat. They then turned to free agency, beginning with a one-year, $2.5 million deal for right-hander Kyle Hendricks. Shortly after, they signed catcher Travis D'Arnaud to a two-year, $12 million contract.
The Angels made a major move by signing top free-agent left-hander Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year, $63 million deal, bolstering their rotation and signaling their intent to compete in the American League West in 2025. This signing is their biggest so far this offseason, with potential for more as the winter progresses. The team's involvement in talks for players like Max Fried, Ha-seong Kim, and Gleyber Torres demonstrates their serious commitment to ending their decade-long postseason drought and securing a playoff berth.
Recently, the Angels have expressed interest in right fielder Anthony Santander, first baseman Pete Alonso, and right-handed pitcher Jack Flaherty, positioning themselves as a top destination for these players. This indicates that the Angels are far from finished with their offseason moves and have plans for further acquisitions. Additionally, the team has shown interest in outfielder Alex Verdugo and is looking to bring back right-hander Carlos Estévez as well (after trading him to Philadelphia Phillies for George Klassen and Samuel Aldegheri at the 2024 MLB trade deadline.)
The trade market remains active for the Angels as well. They are reportedly a destination that third baseman Nolan Arenado is willing to waive his no-trade clause for and have been in talks to acquire third baseman Alec Bohm from the Philadelphia Phillies.
The lineup currently looks like this for the Halos (when healthy):
OF Taylor Ward
2B Luis Rengifo
OF Mike Trout
OF/DH Jorge Soler
C Logan O'Hoppe
SS Zach Neto
1B Nolan Schanuel
3B Anthony Rendon
OF Jo Adell / Mickey Moniak
With a rotation currently looking like:
RHP Yusei Kikuchi
RHP Jose Soriano
LHP Tyler Anderson
RHP Kyle Hendricks
LHP Reid Detmers
LHP Zach Kochanowicz / RHP Chase Silseth / LHP Caden Dana
The Angels' starting lineup is strong enough to compete in the current state of the American League West, but the pitching rotation still needs significant improvements to truly contend in 2025. Compared to other rotations in the division, the Angels' rotation ranks near the bottom, barely ahead of the Oakland Athletics. The departure of left-hander Patrick Sandoval leaves a gap, with Yusei Kikuchi stepping in as a healthy replacement, but not one who is expected to change the course of the season.
Additionally, losing Griffin Canning in a trade for Jorge Soler weakens the rotation further. While Soler adds a much-needed power bat to the offense, replacing Canning with veteran Kyle Hendricks is less than ideal. To solidify their chances, the Angels should focus on acquiring a solid starting pitcher, such as Jack Flaherty or even Japanese star Roki Sasaki, to arm the rotation and improve their overall competitiveness.
More realistically, the Angels may consider signing cheaper, one-year deals with right-handers Kyle Gibson or Max Scherzer. This would add a veteran presence to the rotation and prevent the need to rush young talent from the minors. Relying on a Triple-A or Double-A pitcher to fill a consistent sixth spot in the rotation would not be ideal for the Angels in 2025.
A more realistic addition to the lineup would be Alex Verdugo or Dylan Carlson to solidify Jorge Soler as the designated hitter and have a solidified everyday right fielder. A hyperrealistic addition would be right fielder Anthony Santander and infielder Ha-seong Kim and easily give the Halos a top 10 lineup in the league.
A dream lineup for the Angels landing Ha-Seong Kim and Anthony Santander:
2B/3B Ha-Seong Kim
OF Anthony Santander
OF Mike Trout
DH Jorge Soler
OF Taylor Ward
SS Zach Neto
C Logan O'Hoppe
2B/3B Luis Rengifo
1B Nolan Schanuel
A dream rotation for the Halos landing Roki Sasaki and Jack Flaherty:
RHP Yusei Kikuchi
RHP Roki Sasaki
RHP Jack Flaherty
RHP Jose Soriano
LHP Tyler Anderson
RHP Kyle Hendricks
As the offseason progresses, the Los Angeles Angels are clearly determined to remain competitive in 2025, despite finishing with one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Their aggressive spending and focus on strengthening the roster through trades and free-agent signings highlight their commitment to ending their playoff drought. The moves they've made so far, including the acquisition of key players like Jorge Soler, Yusei Kikuchi, and Kyle Hendricks, show that the Angels are far from a full rebuild. However, there is still work to be done, particularly in the pitching rotation, where improvements are necessary to compete with the best in the American League West. The team's pursuit of additional talent, such as Anthony Santander, Pete Alonso, and Jack Flaherty, signals that they have no intention of resting on their laurels. If the Angels can secure a few more key pieces, they could form a strong, playoff-caliber team. With the right additions, this team has the potential to make 2025 a much more promising season.
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