As the trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Angels are positioning themselves as buyers in the market, seeking to strengthen their roster for a postseason push. Currently hovering around a .500 record and falling a few games shy of a wild card spot, the team is actively looking to upgrade key areas, particularly at third base.
The Angels have been linked to Ryan McMahon, an All-Star third baseman for the Colorado Rockies. While on the surface this trade seems logical, there are significant concerns surrounding McMahon’s performance. His season OPS+ of 84 suggests he is only slightly better than Luis Rengifo, whose struggles have been evident this season. Additionally, McMahon’s road performance has been subpar, showing an OPS+ of just 73, and he leads the league in strikeouts with 120.
With a contractual obligation of $16 million for the next two seasons, acquiring McMahon could be a costly misstep for General Manager Perry Minasian, who is under pressure to deliver results. Rengifo has shown signs of improvement recently, making it imperative that any replacement is demonstrably better than him.
The discussion around McMahon signals an important shift in the Angels’ strategy. After speculation of a possible fire sale, especially following a disappointing stretch against Toronto, the Angels appear committed to bolstering their lineup rather than cleaning house. This decision reflects their confidence in their current core of players and the potential benefits of a playoff push for their younger athletes.
The Angels are not just looking to shore up third base; they also have needs in their pitching rotation, particularly after recent roster adjustments. While McMahon does not fit the vision for the team’s future, the Angels’ willingness to buy indicates a commitment to competing, which could herald a brighter outlook for the franchise if they make the right moves before the deadline.
Overall, the emphasis on careful evaluation amidst trade discussions underscores the Angels’ strategy to improve without jeopardizing their long-term goals.