The Los Angeles Angels went out and signed veteran left-hander Tyler Anderson to a three-year deal, providing them with a solid top of the rotation, but they may not be done adding to their pitching staff.
Their rotation currently includes Shohei Ohtani, Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, José Suarez and Anderson, but they would ideally like to run a six-man rotation. Utilizing six pitchers for their rotation is what they did during the 2022 season to give Ohtani more time off even though they would like him to pitch as much as possible next season.
The Angels have spent the majority of the offseason bolstering their lineup with Hunter Renfroe, Gio Urshela, and Brandon Drury as their offensive production was an issue this past season. But their pitching has also been an issue in recent seasons, and according to Rob Bradford of WEEI, they are among the clubs with interest in Nathan Eovaldi:
According to multiple major league sources, teams known to be in pursuit of Eovaldi are the Angels, Padres, and at least one other club. It is believed that one of the additional interested parties is an American League East club.
The Red Sox extended the qualifying offer to Eovaldi this offseason, which he declined, so there would be a penalty for signing him. Anderson was also among the players to decline the qualifying offer, so the penalties for signing both would be increased.
The Angels lost their second-highest selection in the 2023 MLB Draft, as well as losing $500,000 from their international bonus pool for the upcoming signing period to sign Anderson. If they also sign Eovaldi, they will forfeit their third-highest remaining pick and an additional $500,000.
Eovaldi is entering his 12th MLB season after reaching the end of his four-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. Following his 2018 performance which helped propel the franchise to a World Series title, he struggled the following year, but he posted ERA’s of 3.75 in 2021 and 3.87 in 2022.
According to Spotrac projections, the Angels are looking at a team payroll near $220 million, $13 million shy of the competitive balance tax threshold. If owner Arte Moreno and general manager Perry Minasian are to exceed that, a signing like Eovaldi would be worth the gamble if they believe his health and production are worth dipping into the CBT.
Angels manager Phil Nevin loves moves made this offseason
A healthier roster coming into next year is what the Angels should be focused on as much as anything. The ability to withstand inevitable injuries is what allows teams to continue performing at a high level when the unexpected happens.
That’s why Minasian has focused on adding not just talent to the roster, but also much-needed depth.
The addition of Anderson to the rotation and Carlos Estévez in the bullpen were cost-controlled moves with immense upside, and Nevin is excited for the upcoming season as a result of his GM’s work.
More must-reads: