Angels’ Offseason Plans Unfolding at 2024 Winter Meetings

The Los Angeles Angels may not have gotten the top overall pick, but they did get the second-best thing. The number two overall is the highest pick in Angels’ history. In 1997, they had the No. 3 overall pick. That pick turned out pretty well since it ended up being Troy Glaus.  

What the Halos Are Looking for:

It has been reported by many that the Angels are still looking for a lefty power bat, a starter, and relievers. With Corbin Burnes probably out of the Angels’ price range, they must look to pitchers like Jack Flaherty and Sean Manaea are probably good fits. Flaherty already has major roots in SoCal and Manaea could be interested in returning to the AL West.

The hitter I would keep my eye on is Anthony Santander. He is a switch hitter, has great power, and can play right field or first base. He wouldn’t be taking anyone’s job. He’d be splitting time at first base with lefties on the mound until Nolan Schanuel gets more consistent and could fill in as a right fielder with Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak splitting time in center field and with Mike Trout moving to the left.

Where does Taylor Ward fit into this? If they would sign Santander, Taylor Ward could be used as a bargaining chip to get starting pitching or reliever help in the trade market. Relief help is much easier to come by this year in the trade market anyway. Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers is on the market as a reliever, and Jordan Montgomery would be available from the Arizona Diamondbacks as a starter looking for new scenery.

I expect Taylor Ward to be moved this offseason, especially if they want a lefty power bat. Ward is coveted by many teams including the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds just to name a couple.