Angels interested in several first basemen; what it means for C.J. Cron

The Los Angeles Angels have some work to do if they want to return to the postseason. Some of that work involves upgrading from first baseman C.J. Cron.

The Los Angeles Angels have something that all 29 other MLB teams cannot claim: the best player in baseball. With Mike Trout leading the way, the Angels have the potential to make noise each and every season. Although the front office has failed to add enough depth — mixed with bad injury luck — the opportunity for success is always present with Trout.

Thus, the Angels are zeroed in on the 2017-18 MLB offseason to add key pieces around their franchise superstar. The team already extended Justin Upton (even if it is a mistake) and remains in the loop with the hottest free agents.

Some of the free agents that the team is interested in include first baseman. The Halos are reportedly interested in Logan Morrison, have shown interest in Lucas Duda and are one of many teams looking into Carlos Santana.

It is easy to pick up on the trend the Angels are setting forth. All three of these guys are middle of the order bats that can become everyday first basemen.

Logan Morrison enjoyed a huge breakout season last year. Although the slugger only logged a .246 batting average, he slugged a career-best 38 home runs and 85 RBIs. Morrison had 42 the three previous years combined.

Lucas Duda, who ironically is also coming from the Tampa Bay Rays, enjoyed the same kind of breakout year. Duda only hit .217 at the dish but he slugged 30 home runs and drove in 64 RBIs. The 30 home runs match a career best.

Carlos Santana also fits this mold. Last season, Santana hit to a .259 clip with 23 home runs and 79 RBIs. All three men bring the exact same production to the table and they all play first base.

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With all of this interest, you would think that the Angels do not have a first baseman on the roster; except they do. C.J. Cron currently mans the right side bag, Albert Pujols is available barring an emergency.

So, what does all of this mean for C.J. Cron? Realistically, it is pretty unclear. Los Angeles is obviously looking for a power hitting first baseman to upgrade from Cron. However, this likely does not mean that Cron will be a backup. Instead, Cron may find a new home in 2018.

The Los Angeles Angels are one arm away from filling out their starting rotation. With such a young staff already riddled with injuries, the Angels need all the help they can get. Cron, who has a smooth swing and some promise at the young age of 27, has some trade value as well.

Los Angeles does not have a farm system to trade from, thus Cron becomes one of the only young players that the Angels can trade. For Cron, the Halos can likely receive a middle to back-end arm that will sum it all up. An arm like Hyun-Jin Ryu (although that trade makes no sense) is the level of talent the Angels should be aiming for.

Must Read: Angels' free agent targets to pursue

There is a reason for these reports, they are not emerging without a rhyme or a reason. Thus, Angel fans should be on the lookout for a C.J. Cron trade in the near future.