Jun 30, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Andrew Heaney (45) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Angels Linked to $5.25 Million Pitcher, Ex-Halo in Potential Trade Deadline Move

Originally posted on Los Angeles Angels on SI
By Jason Fray | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 1:30 PM ET

While the Los Angeles Angels hang around the playoff race, there's real thought to the idea that the front office actually could be buyers rather than sellers with the trade deadline approaching.

The Angels could use help everywhere — though nabbing starting pitching help at the deadline would specifically be of the utmost importance.

When scouring the market, bigger names such as Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen likely will be pursued by division leaders. Sandy Alcantara falls into that category as well.

The Angels could be working on the edges to procure a name that might not be box-office — though someone that could help the team in a workmanlike fashion. This theoretically would be a pitcher that won't cost an arm and a leg to trade for.

Mark Leiter Jr. is the perfect example of the “he is what he is” guy. If the FIP doesn’t match the output…year after year after year…there’s nothing to unlock. He’s just okay.

Andrew Heaney. Same deal. Eventually, these guys are just … sometimes good, sometimes bad. pic.twitter.com/LBAnn2UuJ7
— Adam Weinrib (@AdamWeinrib) July 7, 2025

RJ Anderson of CBS Sports specifically believes that left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney could be a player of interest to the Halos down the stretch. Along with LA, the Minnesota Twins and the Texas Rangers may also be potential fits.

"Heaney’s shiny ERA belies how both his strikeout and walk rates have veered in the wrong direction this season. His arsenal runs west to east, but it’s neither missing bats nor barrels like it has in the past. The league didn’t seem enamored with Heaney over the winter, when he settled for a one-year pact worth just over $5 million, and I’m not sure he’s provided anything to spark their kindling. Still, someone has to log innings between now and October, even if that someone disappears when it’s playoff time."

On the year, Heaney is 4-8 with a 4.41 ERA. His advanced analytics illustrate a pitcher that's not overly elite in any one category. Having said that, he is an unorthodox lefty with a plethora of offspeed pitches.

Heaney is also above-average in walk percentage and chase percentage. In a vacuum, he's a crafty veteran that will keep hitters off-balance, and one that won't walk players at an inordinate rate.

There's certainly a place for pitchers with this profile. The Pirates aren't going anywhere, and as such, the Halos might look to Pittsburgh as a possible trade partner when seeking an injection of depth and talent within the starting rotation.

For more Angels news, head over to Angels on SI.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Angels on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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