What's Next for the Angels After Missing Out on Teoscar Hernandez?

All offseason, the Los Angeles Angels have been linked with some of the top-tier talent on the open market. The front office has been aggressive in trying to land free agents. So far — other than an assortment of minor leaguers and relief pitchers — it just hasn't worked out.

Another player who had been heavily linked with the Angels is now off the market. Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. With him off the market, the Halos will need to pivot in a different direction.

At this point, the starting rotation has to be the Angels' biggest priority. They have reportedly made free agent left-hander Blake Snell their top target. Having failed to land any established starters via trade or free agency, the front office needs to do whatever it can to land Snell.

Snell is coming off an incredible season with the San Diego Padres in which he won the National League Cy Young award. He would instantly become the ace of the rotation, and a staff leader to build around for the future. 

The Angels might look to add a second piece to the rotation as well, but the lineup needs help too. Losing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani leaves a massive hole in production at designated hitter. The Angels will need to fill his at-bats somehow.

If the Angels take a committee approach to the DH position they won't be the only team to do so in 2024. However, they have been linked with J.D. Martinez on the open market. If he and the Angels can reach agreement on a contract, it could benefit both parties.

At 36, Martinez likely wouldn't require a long-term commitment from the team. He's coming off a 33-homer, 103-RBI season and owns a career OPS of .951 at Angel Stadium. Martinez is the best option to replace Ohtani, and the Angels should be aggressive in their contract offer.

The Angels have been linked with outfielder Cody Bellinger as well, but he might cost more than they are willing to pay. Bellinger would be a nice fit, but there are concerns about whether or not his 2023 season can be replicated.

Depending on their internal budget, the Angels could target some complimentary roster pieces who can add depth to their lineup. Infielder Tim Anderson makes some sense, and they've been linked this offseason.

General manager Perry Minasian had his work cut out for him this winter, and it remains unfinished with a month to go before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. If they want to remain competitive heading into next season, adding major talent will be the only way to make it happen.