Potential Los Angeles Angels trade prospects for the 2025 season before the trading deadline
Setting the Scene: The League-leading Los Angeles Angels started the 2025 season blazing, but Mike Trout, the team's former MVP, succumbed to a knee injury and is currently on the sidelines. This setback, combined with the team's poor performance, had the fans questioning Angels Manager Ron Washington's decision-making. As the season progresses, the team finds itself in last place in the American League West.
But, all is not lost—Trout's return is just around the corner, and the team must make strategic moves to stay afloat until then. They must approach the upcoming trades sensibly, keeping their superstar's impending return and his age in mind. With Trout turning 33 this season, the Angels know they need to build a roster that can compete for years to come.
Here are three potential trade targets that could help the Angels stabilize their roster and continue their run in the American League:
Aces in the Hole - Jose Leclerc
Taking a calculated risk could pay off, and that's exactly what the Angels might do with Athletics' reliever Jose Leclerc. Once a key member of the Texas Rangers' 2023 title team, Leclerc has struggled with injuries and low performance over the last couple of seasons. Despite this, he still has the potential to make a significant impact on the Angels' bullpen.
Leclerc joined the Athletics during the offseason but is currently recovering from a lat strain, which landed him on the 60-day injured list. If he heals on schedule, teams like the Angels could swoop in and make an enticing offer. Although Kenley Jansen has shown his worth as a reliable closer so far this season, Manager Washington admits the need to bolster the bullpen with a proven veteran like Leclerc. With Trout's return looming and their roster expected to return to full health soon, bringing in Leclerc could ensure a strong late-game presence.
Turning Over a New Leaf - German Marquez
Building a championship-caliber starting rotation is the key to taking home the championship, and the Angels know this all too well. Despite boasting good numbers from Yusei Kikuchi and Tyler Anderson this season, they need a strike-through-the-heart ace to compete on the biggest stage.
German Marquez, the Colorado Rockies' 30-year-old starter, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but currently grapples with unimpressive results due to playing in the hitter-friendly Coors Field and the Rockies' struggling offense. A change of scenery might be the key to reviving Marquez's career and helping the Angels secure their place in the playoffs race.
Shortstop Shuffle - Orlando Arcia
When it comes to championship teams, versatility is key. The Angels already made waves during the 2021 offseason by adding Jorge Soler, and now they have their eyes set on Atlanta Braves' shortstop Orlando Arcia. The Braves won the World Series that year, and Arcia played an instrumental role, but his minutes have dwindled since the emergence of Nick Allen.
With Zachary Neto already securing the starting shortstop spot, the Angels could use Arcia's talents to push Yoan Moncada for time at third base. Trading for Arcia might boost the team's overall flexibility, allowing them to respond to any challenges or opportunities that arise during the season.
In conclusion, the Angels must navigate the trade waters carefully, looking for players that can help sustain their competitiveness while Trout is sidelined and build a lasting championship team. The right trades could be the key to unlocking the Angels' full potential and securing a place in the playoffs this season and beyond.
Intriguing Insights:
- The Angels have struggled this season due to key player injuries and poor performance from some key assets like Luis Rengifo[1].
- Angels Manager Ron Washington has a reputation for being a fierce competitor and prioritizes winning above all else[2].
- Although some teams, such as the Red Sox and Yankees, have deeper pockets and may buy more talent, the Angels have shown their willingness to be aggressive in the trade market, having acquired Jorge Soler during the offseason[3].
- The Angels must be careful with their betting on potential trade acquisitions, especially with Mike Trout's return and age in mind, as they aim to trade for players who can sustain their competitiveness in the 2025 MLB season and build a roster that can compete for years to come.
- To strengthen their pitching staff and bolster their bullpen, the Angels might consider trading for Jose Leclerc, a reliever who struggled with injuries and low performance but still has the potential to make a significant impact, as they seek to ensure a strong late-game presence during Trout's absence and the team's return to full health.
- To build a championship-caliber starting rotation, the Angels could target German Marquez, a starter known for flashes of brilliance but currently underperforming due to playing in a hitter-friendly park and a struggling offense, in hopes of reviving his career and securing their place in the playoffs race while Trout is sidelined.
