The Los Angeles Angels: A Diminished Free Agent Destination
Jan 25, 2025 - Written by Isaias Acosta
Photo Credit : @MLBTradeRumors - X
It's safe to say that the Angels are no longer the powerhouse and free agent hotspot that it once was from the early 2000’s to early 2010’s. Big name free agents always had the Angels on their wishlist and although the team didn't always reel in the big fish, they would still manage to sign key contributors and borderline all-stars. Names like Vladamir Guerrero Sr. and Torii Hunter immediately come into mind when it comes to free agents. Clearly things have changed since then, but why?
California taxes and expensive cost of living
Now clearly this is something that the team and organization cannot control. However, it is no secret that living in the state of California can be very expensive. It also doesn't help when the state taxes are one of the highest in the entire United States. As much as fans don't want to admit it, players take that into consideration when looking for a new place to call home. Players want to be able to secure as much financial freedom for themselves and their families, and rightfully so. With that already putting the Angels at a disadvantage, they must approach free agency in different ways and offer other benefits.
No longer a winning franchise
Another known fact is that the Angels are no longer the elite powerhouse juggernaut that it used to be in the 2000’s. Throughout that decade, the Angels were always a division contender and World Series contender. From 2000 to 2009, the Angels made the postseason six times. They made three ALCS appearances, those being 2002, 2005, and 2009. They won the world series once, that being in 2002. And just to add the cherry on top, they won the A.L. West division five times, three-peating from 2007 to 2009. Since 2010, the Angels have made the postseason just once, that being in 2014 when they also happened to win their last division title. Just to make matters worse, they've finished over .500 just four times in that span. The franchise is no longer a winning franchise. When the team did make a big free agent signing, it was disastrous. Names that immediately come to mind are those of Anthony Rendon, Albert Pujols, and the great Josh Hamilton (this one still stings).
How do they Regain their Free Agent Appeal?
The franchise first has to build an identity. There is a lack of that when it comes to this franchise and is something that is very important when you want to establish a winning culture. Players take that into consideration during free agency and is probably the main reason why they can't lure the big fish in anymore. Ron Washington can definitely set a culture and expectations with this franchise. Another positive about him is that he's a manager that players want to play for. The farm system is also something this team has to desperately improve. Players want to join teams where there's a bright future, and the reality is that the Angels don't have much of a future to look forward to when it comes to the farm system. They have to build that farm system up in order to really have something to look forward to in the future. When all the chips fall into place, it will be sooner rather than later when free agents will once again line up at the Big A hoping to be able to join a soon to be title contender. Until then, Angel fans should reduce their high expectations on potentially signing high caliber players.
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