To be competitive as promised in 2024, the Los Angeles Angels would need to improve their starting rotation. Their starting pitching was terrible in 2023, and with Shohei Ohtani expected to miss the season due to a bump whether he stayed or departed, the Angels sorely needed to upgrade.
The calendar has flipped to the New Year, and the Angels have done nothing in terms of rotation. What makes matters worse is that pitchers are signing contracts while the Angels remain silent.
Marcus Stroman appeared to be a highly feasible choice, as he was not expected to make a lot of money in comparison to others but might still be a significant upgrade for the staff. Stroman might easily be the best pitcher on this Angels club.
While the Angels were linked to him multiple times during the winter, the right-hander has officially signed with the Yankees, leaving the Angels empty-handed yet again. Who knows what the Angels will do next, but a pivot to an ace is a possibility.
The Los Angeles Angels’ decision not to sign Marcus Stroman has left fans wondering what their next steps are.
With Stroman off the board, there are few pitchers they can add who will make a significant difference for them. Sure, they could go bargain hunting by signing a pitcher like Michael Lorenzen or Mike Clevinger, but those aren’t the kind of upgrades they need.
Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell are the only genuine upgrades available. If the Angels want to be competitive in 2024, they will need one of those arms. It’s actually that simple.
A Montgomery signing appears unlikely, since signs lead to him re-signing with the Rangers, but where Snell goes is anyone’s guess. Snell has been connected to the Angels this offseason, and the Yankees reportedly made an approach before agreeing to terms with Stroman. The Yankees’ full rotation, combined with Stroman’s arrival, appears to be an unlikely Snell landing spot at this moment, leaving the door for the Angels.
It appears that the Halos will face little competition in pursuing Snell. There have been talks among teams such as the Giants and Mariners, but the Giants have not signed many notable free agents in recent years, while the Mariners have demonstrated a reluctance to spend money. Of course, the same question remains for an Angels club that appears to be without direction.
Stroman was their last chance for a cheap boost in the rotation. Barring a stunning trade, the Angels’ only legitimate upgrading options would be Snell or Montgomery. Is this likely? Of course not. But dreaming is fun!
