Angels Looking at World Series Winning Starting Pitcher in Free Agency
The Los Angeles Angels continue to look all around for pitching help this offseason. It's their biggest priority and something that the front office needs to address this winter.
They have some good, young arms in the rotation. But they don't have a front-line starter to lead the charge. They have been looking in the deep end of the free agent pool, and are eyeing a few top-tier starters.
The New York Post's Jon Heyman has linked the Angels with free-agent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery. He also mentioned Blake Snell, who the team has had talks with already this winter.
"free-agent starters Jordan Montgomery and NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell, who are also drawing interest from the Angels, Giants, Phillies, Red Sox and others."
Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post
Montgomery was one of the main reasons why the Texas Rangers won the World Series this past season. He was excellent in the playoffs, posting an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.35.
He split time between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas last season, putting up an ERA of 3.20. The left-hander would give the Halos a trusted member of the rotation, and someone who could lead the charge for years.
Montgomery has been one of the more consistent pitchers over the last few seasons, and signing him would weaken a division rival. The Angels saw what Montgomery could do up close, and landing him would be a home run.
The biggest issue for them is that historically the team hasn't shelled out large free-agent contracts to pitchers. But Montgomery may be the exception due to how dominant he has been over the years.
We should know more soon about where he will sign, and the hope is that it is with the Halos for the foreseeable future.