Angels Competing With AL West Rivals For Former Closer

The Halos are looking to add to their bullpen via free agency.

Statistically speaking, the Angels' bullpen was among the worst in baseball in 2023. Not surprisingly, they have already agreed to terms with right-hander Luis Garcia on a one-year contract this week, after earlier adding left-hander Adam Kolarek to the mix.

Now, it appears the Angels are interested in doing more. The team is showing interest in reliever Jordan Hicks this off-season, according to MLB Network reporter Jon Morosi.

But the Halos aren't alone in this pursuit. Among the interested teams are the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, potentially providing an AL West showdown for the 27-year-old right-hander.

RHP Jordan Hicks, the Houston native, is drawing interest from the Rangers, Astros, and Angels, among other teams. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 6, 2023

Hicks is an interesting name for the Angels, and he would be a massive addition to their bullpen. Last season he was traded at the deadline from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Toronto Blue Jays, posting a combined ERA of 3.29 over 65 games. He also added in 12 saves along the way as well. 

The veteran is one of the hardest-throwing arms in the game today. He has consistently thrown a 100-mph sinker when healthy, and he mixed in a triple-digit four-seamer in 2023 as well. 

Rookie relievers Ben Joyce and Jose Soriano both touched triple digits at times last season, but Hicks has paired velocity with command longer than either young right-hander. Reynaldo Lopez, another hard-throwing right-hander who joined the Angels midway through last season, signed with the Atlanta Braves in November.

The Halos seem determined to add more talent to their roster this off-season, and they are trying to be aggressive in doing so. Hicks would help stabilize the relief system in place for the team while giving them a reliable arm at the end of games. 

It remains to be seen what it will take to land Hicks, but he is one of the better relievers on the open market. The Angels may have to shell out a decent amount to get him, especially considering their chances to contend in a division with the last two World Series champions.