Another year and once again, the Los Angeles Angels will not reach the postseason.
This should not be a surprise; the Angels have reached the postseason just once while Mike Trout has been in the majors and squandered the entire Shohei Ohtani era. The Angels attempted to change that with an ill-fated trading spree at the deadline only to fall out of contention.
At least the Angels will not have false hope this year. The Angels are sellers as they hold the third-worst record in the majors. Let’s take a look at three possible trade chips.
Relief pitcher Carlos Estevez
Estevez thrived in his first season as a full-time closer in 2023. He made his first All-Star Game while posting a 3.90 ERA over 62.1 innings as he notched 31 saves. Although he also posted a 1.492 WHIP and issued 31 walks, Estevez struck out 78 batters to help minimize the damage.
Although his ERA does not indicate as such, Estevez has been better this season. He has posted a 4.76 ERA in his 17 innings, albeit with a 1.176 WHIP and a 3.96 FIP, striking out 17 batters with three walks. Estevez may not be viewed as a ninth-inning option by teams, but he is considered one of the most likely players on the Angels to be traded at the deadline. Teams are always looking for power arms in the bullpen, and Estevez fits the bill.
Relief pitcher Hunter Strickland
Strickland signed a minor league contract with the Angels after posting an 11.45 ERA and a 2.273 WHIP in his 11 innings in Triple-A in 2023, striking out eight batters with 12 walks. He struggled in his two appearances at Triple-A for the Angels, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk over his two innings. Nonetheless, the Angels promoted him to the majors on April 8 as they needed help in the bullpen.
Strickland has been a revelation since. He has posted an impressive 1.88 ERA and a 0.792 WHIP over his 24 innings entering Saturday, striking out 21 batters with only four walks. The Angels are not likely to receive a top prospect for Strickland, but he could bring back a solid piece. He has been well worth that minor league deal.
Outfielder Taylor Ward
Ward has quietly been a respectable part of the Angels lineup, having posted a .265/.346/.449 batting line with 45 homers and 55 doubles from 2021 through 2023. The problem is that Ward only had 1,210 plate appearances over 297 games in that stretch, having battled injuries that included multiple facial fractures after being hit with an Alek Manoah fastball last year.
Ward has continued his solid performance this season, posting a .268/.333/.469 batting line in his 240 plate appearances entering Saturday, hitting 11 homers and 10 doubles. He is capable of playing both outfield corners and has spent time at third base and center. As Ward is under team control through 2026, he may be the Angels’ most attractive trade chip.
