Angels prove to be buyers in 2023
With reports that the Los Angeles Angels would not be trading superstar Shohei Ohtani, the Angels made their first splash before the trade deadline.
Trading the No. 2 and No. 3 prospects in their organization to the Chicago White Sox for pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez.
Giolito will provide the Angels with a strong piece to their rotation as they look to make a run at the postseason. Currently 6-6 with a 3.79 ERA in 121 innings pitched, he will be able to pitch in front of friends and family after growing up in the Los Angeles area.
Joining Giolito for the second time in a trade is Reynaldo Lopez, who was considered one of the better relief pitchers available at the deadline.
2-5 on the season with a mediocre 4.29 ERA, the appeal to Lopez is that he possesses elite stuff and has his highest K/9 of his career at 11.14.
With Carlos Estevez holding down the closer duties, Lopez will give manager Phil Nevin another high-leverage reliever to use late in games.
The Angels are also rumored to have discussed a potential trade for Washington Nationals third baseman Jeimer Candelario.
At 52-49 the Angels are seven games out of first place in the American League West and four games out of a Wild Card spot, so look for the Angels to stay active as they look to make a playoff run in 2023.
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