The Los Angeles Angels are grappling with a lackluster pitching performance early in the 2025 season, yet among the chaos, left-hander Tyler Anderson has emerged as a bright spot. With a strong start, Anderson boasts a 2.68 ERA over 40.1 innings in his first seven appearances, marking a significant late-career resurgence for the 35-year-old.
Anderson’s journey has been impressive; he debuted at 26 and faced challenges in establishing himself, only managing to make 30 starts in two of his initial five seasons with an ERA below 4.00 once during his rookie year. However, in recent years, he has transformed into a dependable pitcher, making the All-Star team twice in the last three seasons and likely heading for another nod this year.
As the trade deadline approaches, discussions have intensified regarding Anderson’s potential as a trade asset. Given his impending free agency and the Angels’ current pitching woes, dealing him could provide the team with valuable returns. The strategy of trading him sooner rather than later is supported by the injuries currently afflicting several contending teams. Notably, the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets are all facing rotation challenges, which could drive up demand for a reliable arm like Anderson.
The recent history indicates that while Anderson started strong last season, he experienced a downturn in performance during the second half. By trading him now, the Angels could capitalize on his current value and potentially entice contending teams to make an aggressive offer.
As general manager Perry Minasian navigates potential deals, leveraging Anderson’s value in the current market could yield significant benefits for the franchise. Regardless of his fate, Anderson’s impressive play has provided a glimmer of hope in an otherwise struggle-filled season for the Angels.
This situation presents a unique opportunity for the Angels to re-evaluate their strategy and build for the future while achieving short-term results. The baseball landscape is ever-changing and capitalizing on the right moments can lead to fruitful outcomes.