An Offseason Interlinked With the 2025 Trade Deadline
Mar 18, 2025 - Written by Jas Singh
Photo Credit : @MLBTradeRumors - X
Another completed offseason for the Los Angeles Angels, is deemed immediately useless by analysts and longtime fans. However, people around the league clearly have not seen the bold strategy GM Perry Minasian is heading into 2025 with.
Angels fans everywhere know, this franchise is in modest of a huge rebuild that is going to take time to fully develop and be a threat. A farm system that many have ranked dead last needs to be improved and the several youngsters that have been brought must be given their time. Now at the deadline last year, longtime Angels Luis Rengifo and Taylor Ward were the most likely to get dealt.
Before getting a rough biceps injury, Rengifo was one of the best hitters in the American League and consistently got on base. However, his injury derailed the Angels chance of capitalizing on his true value. Still being in his arbitration years, keeping him will not only provide a cost-effective versatile utility player, but also give the Angels another opportunity to trade him for a great haul given he has a similar year. Taylor Ward, was another name at the deadline that was being thrown around. The outfielder who was extremely hot in June cooled down right before the deadline, costing the Angels value at the deadline.
GM Perry Minasian played it smart yet again not dealing a power hitter, for a smaller haul. Ward can likely provide some clutch hitting in 2025, thus creating a huge market for him when the deadline hits. Now we’ve seen Minasian capabilities at the last deadline flipping both Luis Garcia and Carlos Estevez for tons of minor leaguers that were headlined by one of the Phillies top pitching prospects George Klassen. There is no doubt he has the ability to sway contenders into dealing top minor leaguers for postseason rentals.
Now the additions in the offseason, had an incredible amount of the Angels fanbase scratching their heads. Jorge Soler was one of the first big-time signings for the Angels. The 2021 World Series MVP, still has the juice left in him and could provide some much needed right-handed power to balance the lineup. Likely, not the long term solution for the Angels at DH, Minasian can instantly flip him at the deadline like many teams have in the past. 3rd baseman Yoan Moncada was another recent signing that turned several heads on to why the Angels signed a player who hasn’t had an above average year since 2021. The reason is simple, he is a short-term fix for a ball club that is awaiting the development of its future star and 2024 first round pick Christian Moore. If Moncada even provides an average year, it gives the Angels time to develop Moore and not rush him to the majors like other Angel first round picks. It also gives Minasian the opportunity to deal him at the deadline, for pieces that can contribute in the minors.
Kenley Jansen, who is now 37 and has had some down years compared to being the lights out closer he was for the Dodgers is another under the radar signing. Following the departure of Carlos Estevez last deadline, the ballclub made it clear that they want Ben Joyce as the closer of the future. Jansen not only gives veteran leadership to the former Tennessee Volunteer, he also gives Joyce the opportunity to take some nights off. Joyce, who’s well-known fastball that can reach 104 mph, needs rest for the longevity of his arm. Jansen’s shorter contract gives Minasian the chance to dump him at the deadline for contenders who are constantly looking for closers come the postseason.
Tim Anderson, was considered another ineffective signing by some fans. The former World Baseball Classic star has almost hit rock bottom since his stellar year in 2022. After signing a prove it deal with the Marlins, last offseason the shortstop showed no signs of the superstar he still can be. Many again fail to realize, baseball is the most mentally challenging sport. Anderson, could just have needed a change of scenery or an organization to believe in him to return to his former self. As of right now he fills a niche shortstop role, before Zach Neto is ready to go, after an offseason shoulder surgery. He not only provides depth, but is a clear low risk high reward signing. Even an average year for Anderson can provide bits of trade value for contenders looking for postseason depth.
Although, the Angels are not in any position to be called contenders anytime soon. Minasian continues to play it smart, certainly giving the franchise an opportunity to compete in 2026 and beyond.
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