We're getting closer and closer to baseball season, as Spring Training kicks off later this month. While rosters are mostly set ahead of pitchers and catchers reporting, there are still plenty of big names looking for new homes.
Matt Vasgersian on MLB Network called the Angels "not a finished product yet," and said that they're "looking for help at catcher and looking for some help in the bullpen."
And the MLB Network's Steve Phillips had just the guy the Angels have their eyes on, in former two-time All-Star reliever Zack Britton.
"They’ve made some pretty good moves in the bullpen so far and added some pitchers in that rotation. But I think right now, they’re looking to solidify," Phillips said. "They need a lot of depth. And Zack Britton’s the guy right now they’ve got their eyes on."
And why would he be good fit? Well, let's let Phillips explain.
"He’s a guy that’s pitched in high-leverage situations, he’s closed out games. Remember, he came back after Tommy John surgery, he had some arm fatigue, wasn’t right with the Yankees last year. But they bring him into a staff where they need a solid left-hander in the bullpen. Remember, they have Shohei Ohtani and four left-handers in the rotation. So likely, immediately out of the bullpen is going to come a right-hander. But to be able to sort of mix and match a little bit, and, late in the game, have that lefty to match up with lefties, or the guy to get the ground ball out, which Zack Britton is very good at. I get why they want him, bringing in some experience and some winning with him, as well."
So why hasn't a deal come to fruition already? Well, the Angels aren't the only team in on him.
"The only issue for the Angels is that they’re competing against the Mets for Zack Britton." Phillips said. "And that could end up being a problem, because it seems like there’s one more dollar with Steve Cohen’s face on it than Arte Moreno’s face."
Britton would make a lot of sense for the Angels, however, his $9 million price tag (according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale) does make the deal a little difficult for LA. While Britton may have been worth that kind of money in the past, he hasn't done much over the last few seasons to prove that he's anywhere near his All-Star level.
So if his price tag continues to drop, and Mets owner Steve Cohen stays out of Arte Moreno's way, Britton could be an Angel sooner rather than later.
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