One signing will make the Los Angeles Angels World Series contenders

The Los Angeles Angels have been very busy this offseason. Now, with a completely new look, the Halos are one signing away from World Series contention.

Shohei Ohtani, Ian Kinsler, Zack Cozart, Justin Upton, Rene Rivera. All guys that (aside from Upton, who was traded to the Angels last August) are new faces at the Big A. The Los Angeles Angels have not been shy about their offseason plans; build a team that is good enough to win Mike Trout a ring and keeps him around.

The Angels are one signing away from giving themselves a serious shot at accomplishing that goal.

Los Angeles has done all it can to add to every facet of the game. The first move of the offseason was to extend the new power-hitting bat in the lineup, Justin Upton. Los Angeles received Upton for relatively cheap — the organization’s ninth-best prospect, Grayson Long — so capitalizing on him was pivotal.

Next was the biggest move of the offseason, signing Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani brings an interesting skill set to the MLB that makes him a better version of Madison Bumgarner; he can be the ace and the four-hitter at the same time.

Then the Angels brought in a duo of infielders. Los Angeles struck a deal with the Tigers again, this time for Ian Kinsler. Although Kinsler’s production was down in 2017, his veteran bat is a huge addition. After that, the Halos brought in Zack Cozart on a three-year deal following his breakout, all-star, season.

Finally, the Angels signed Rene Rivera as a backup catcher. Although this is the smallest move of the bunch, it does provide needed depth as well as veteran leadership behind Martin Maldanado.

All of these moves put the Angels in a much better position than they were last year. Now, only one move remains to make the Angels World Series contenders.

And that is signing Lance Lynn

Lance Lynn is the missing piece the Los Angeles Angels need. The Angels have a pretty good pitching rotation filled with young arms; Lynn would be the icing on the cake. Los Angeles needs one more arm to add, Lynn is that arm and can give the Angels one of the best 1-2-3 punches in baseball.

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Lynn was nothing short of fantastic last season yet sometimes does not receive the recognition he deserves. Last season Lynn started a career-high 33 games to the tune of an 11-8 record, 3.43 ERA and 153 strikeouts.

While Lynn is not the ace of any rotation, he is a great option as the second pitcher in any rotation in baseball. On the Angels, he would be third behind Garrett Richards and Ohtani. LA does not need another ace, they need someone that can fill out the rotation and can do so without being too expensive.

That is exactly what Lynn is. Spotrac estimates Lynn’s annual worth at $16.9 million. If the Angels want him long-term that number could fall somewhere near $13 million. If they want him short term, that number can go up to $18 million.

Regardless of the path the Angels take, Lynn can provide what they need. With him, the Angels have a playoff-ready rotation that can withstand a four-man rotation.

Next: Which Angels will improve the most next season?

Then, all the team needs is health. If that can stay in line as well, the rest of the American League should watch out for the Los Angeles Angels.

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