The Los Angeles Angels have had a busy offseason in terms of roster additions, signing All-Star starting pitcher Tyler Anderson, reliever Carlos Estévez, infielder Brandon Drury and outfielder Brett Phillips, while acquiring slugging outfielder Hunter Renfroe and infielder Gio Urshela in trades.
With the start of 2023 Spring Training just under a month away, Angels general manager Perry Minasian is still looking at ways to improve the team. The club reportedly had interest in Nathan Eovaldi and Corey Kluber before they signed with the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox, respectively.
Among other areas the Angels could attempt to upgrade is their bullpen. Aside from Estévez, L.A.’s relief corps is essentially the same group from last season.
The Angels may want to add a left-handed reliever, and the top three free agents on the market, Andrew Chafin, Zack Britton and Matt Moore, reportedly are seeking a $9 million salary for the 2023 season, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
Left-handed relievers Andrew Chafin, Zack Britton and Matt Moore also remain on the market. They are each seeking about $9 million in their talks with teams.
The Angels particularly will have significant interest in Britton if his asking price comes down. Meanwhile, they are not looking to sign catcher Gary Sanchez:
The Angels continue to have strong interest in Britton if his price tag drops, but they are not pursuing free agent catcher Gary Sanchez.
Britton is a two-time All-Star and one of the more accomplished left-handed relievers over the past decade, but he was limited to just three appearances with the New York Yankees last season after returning from Tommy John surgery.
Sanchez was teammates with Britton for parts of four seasons before a trade sent him to the Minnesota Twins last year. He struggled to the tune of a .205/.282/.377 slash line with 24 doubles, 16 home runs and 61 RBI in 128 games.
With Kurt Suzuki officially retired, the Angels are projected to have a catching tandem of Logan O’Hoppe and Max Stassi this season.
Zack Britton signing with Angels would be homecoming
If the Angels sign Britton, it would mark a homecoming for the 35-year-old, who grew up in Panorama City, Calif. and was raised in Santa Clarita.
The Angels’ bullpen as it stands is projected to include three southpaws in Tucker Davidson, Aaron Loup and José Quijada.
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