Former Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Angels prove to be buyers in 2023

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 7/27/23

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.

OFFICIAL: The Angels have acquired RHP Lucas Giolito and RHP Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league LHP Ky Bush and C Edgar Quero. pic.twitter.com/Q6pdZ9MKve
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 27, 2023

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.

Lucas Giolito's 3Ks in the 3rd.

6Ks thru 3. pic.twitter.com/zMonPiRALq
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 23, 2023

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.

Reynaldo Lopez would’ve been a target of mine, probably best Stuff+ that’ll be moved at deadline. Lucas Giolito hasn’t quite got his old fastball back but he’s obviously going to help that rotation. Quero is a good get for the White Sox, his K & BB rates are great for a catcher.
— Eno Sarris (@enosarris) July 27, 2023

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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