Angels linked to 3 of the Top Remaining Free Agent Starters
Jan 1, 2024 - Written by Bryan Whitfield
September 13, 2023; Photo Credit: @Padres - Twitter/X
According to recent reports by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Angels have shown interest in the top three starting pitchers on the free agent market; Blake Snell, Shōta Imanaga, and Jordan Montgomery. After a disappointing showing from the rotation this past season, the Los Angeles Angels are actively looking to bolster their pitching rotation as the 2024 season approaches.
Acquiring a frontline starter should be the Angels top priority this offseason. Snell, Imanaga, and Montgomery are pitchers who could significantly bolster the team's rotation and chances to compete in the 2024 season.
Blake Snell
At the top of the Angels wish list is the reigning NL CY Young Award Winner, LHP Blake Snell. Snell's electric stuff and his ability to strike batters out make him an enticing piece for any team looking to strengthen their rotation.
Snell, 31, had a lights out year with the Padres in 2023 showcasing his dominance on the mound which amounted to his second CY Young Award. The left-hander recorded a 2.25 ERA while striking out 234 batters in 180 innings. Despite his dominance on the mound, Snell walked a career high 99 batters last season, 30 more than his previous high in 2021. This is also just the second time Snell has pitched more than 130 innings in a season. The last time he did so was in 2018 when he won his first CY Young Award with the Tampa Bay Rays, in which he pitched a career high 180.2 innings that season.
According to Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle, the Angels have made Blake Snell their “priority” this offseason, and rightfully so. Snell is worth the risk despite his high walk rate and low consistency of innings pitched in his career. Snell was able to pitch out of his own jams he created and with a defense fortified by Ron Washington in 2024, he should have enough support to get out of jams as he did before. Jon Heyman reported on Thursday, “Snell has been spending a lot of time this offseason in OC, so he might prefer the Angels.” He also mentioned the Angels and Giants as the favorites for Snell but that other teams could be involved.
Snell is a Boras Client, so Boras will get him his money. Snell is reportedly seeking a deal in the realm of what Stephen Strasburg’s 7 year $245M deal looked like, which included an AAV (Average Annual Value) of $35M a year. It’s more likely Snell will get around the $30M AAV mark, but take that for what you will.
June 7, 2022; Photo Credit: The Japan Times/KYODO
Shōta Imanaga
Sho-Time could continue to exist in the Angels organization as another pitcher on the Angels radar is Shōta Imanaga, a highly regarded left-handed pitcher from Japan. As one of the most sought-after international players, the 30 year old has garnered attention from several MLB teams; the Angels, Giants, Dodgers, Red Sox and Mets.
Imanaga had an exceptional 2023 season in Japan, finishing with a 2.66 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 159 innings pitched. His ability to command his pitches and mix speeds effectively has made him a standout pick. The Angels' interest in Imanaga shows their commitment to putting together a competitive ball club in 2024. Imanaga is predicted to get anywhere between $85-100M depending on where the market takes him. Imanaga’s 45-day posting window closes on January 11th so expect him to sign within the next 12 days.
Photo Credit: David J. Phillip/AP Photo
Jordan Montgomery
The final of the three pitchers the Angels are reportedly eyeing is yet another left-handed pitcher in Jordan Montgomery. Monty, 31, dominated for the Texas Rangers in the postseason helping the Rangers secure their first World Series ring. While Montgomery may not have the same high-profile reputation as Snell or Imanaga, he has proven to be a reliable and consistent pitcher throughout his career with a respectable 3.68 career ERA.
In the 2023 season, Montgomery demonstrated his durability by logging 188.2 innings and striking out 166 batters while maintaining a 3.20 ERA across his time with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. His ability to induce ground balls and limit home runs could prove valuable for the Angels, who will now have Ron Washington’s reputation helping on the defensive side of things as the team should play a better defense in ‘24. The Angels at times have struggled to keep opposing offenses in check, so Montgomery would be a solid addition to this rotation.
Montgomery, like Snell, is a Scott Boras client. Boras currently is in control of the top end starters of the free agency market. He is known to be patient with his clients and it is likely both Snell and Montgomery will wait it out until a team gets desperate and ups their offer to meet what Boras and his clients are looking for. Per Jon Heyman, “I wouldn’t be shocked if Jordan Montgomery ends up with the Angels, he obviously shined in that division, the Giants, Red Sox, Mets, Phillies & Yankees also involved.” Heyman also stated he wouldn’t be surprised if Montgomery gets around the $150M mark.
The Angels Pitching Priorities
The Angels interest in the top end starters should come as no surprise, as the team is in dire need of addressing their pitching woes. With the subtraction of Shohei Ohtani in 2024, the Angels are more desperate than ever to acquire an ace this offseason. Snell is viewed as the best available starter on the free agent market as both Imanaga and Montgomery aren’t viewed as “aces” but can still be front-end starters for the Angels.
While the extent of the Angels pursuit and potential deals remain uncertain, a strong pitching staff could be the key to contention for the Angels as they look to compete in a vastly competitive American League West that is home to the past two World Series Champions. The team's interest in Snell, Imanaga, and Montgomery highlights their determination to contend in the 2024 season. If the Angels were to acquire the services of one of these three pitchers, it’s likely one of their current left-handed starters gets traded to help fill another area of need as the rotation already is home to three left-handed starters in Reid Detmers, Patrick Sandoval and Tyler Anderson.
Only time will tell if the Angels pursuit of these pitchers lead to successful acquisitions. As the 2024 season draws closer, Angel fans eagerly await news of the first splash of the offseason and any other potential moves that could shape the team's outlook in the upcoming season.
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