Angels an Option for 2-Time All-Star Pitcher, Says MLB Network Insider

The Halos are looking all over the league for pitching help.

As the offseason continues for the Los Angeles Angels, their biggest priority is upgrading their starting rotation. The front office understands they are lacking an ace-level arm, so they are trying to be aggressive in landing talent.

The team has been linked with some of the top-tier names on the market, including Blake Snell. Snell could be out of the price range that the Halos are comfortable with, but there are other names to look out for.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi said the Angels are an option for Marcus Stroman. The veteran right-hander would give them a solid option at the front of their rotation and help them build everything out.

“Also an option on the West Coast as well, the Los Angeles Angels still working very diligently to upgrade their rotation.”

.@jonmorosi shares a few teams to keep an eye on in the markets for free agents Marcus Stroman and Joc Pederson ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/j9PanE2Ag0

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 3, 2024

The biggest concern regarding Stroman from last season is his first and second-half numbers. Stroman was on a short list of National League Cy Young award candidates before the All-Star break, posting an ERA of 2.96 in 112.2 innings of work.

After the break, everything changed. Stroman dealt with a right hip issue that limited him to just 24 innings. He posted an ERA of 8.63 in eight games (six starts).

Stroman has been linked with the Angels previously this winter, so he could be high on the front office's offseason wish list. The 32-year-old right-hander could be a potential number-1 starter in a relatively weak rotation, without the price tag of a younger, more accomplished free agent.

Historically, the Angels have been hesitant to hand out large free-agent contracts to pitchers. They might be willing to make an exception for a pitcher on a shorter-term deal with a higher annual average value (AAV). In Nov. 2021, the Angels signed Noah Syndergaard to a one-year, $21 million contract.

The Angels need all the help that they can get in their rotation, and Stroman would provide an instant upgrade to a group that includes Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, Chase Silseth, Griffin Canning and Jose Suarez. The front office understands where they are as a team, so adding him would be a big boost.