Angels Offseason: Who Are the Halos Upcoming Free Agents?

Who could return next season?

The Angels enter the offseason with the hopes of finally getting this team back into contention next season. It has been a long time since the Halos made the playoffs, and on the surface, it doesn’t seem like it will happen anytime soon.

The team could look very different next year when the season kicks off, so this offseason will be very active for them. Not only do they have to find a new manager, but they also have some key free agents, as well.

Here is a look at who on this team is a free agent, and who could be back next season.

Shohei Ohtani: We can start with the one player that everyone is thinking about. Ohtani is widely expected to not return to the Angels next season, as he looks to sign with a contender. He wants to win, and the Halos haven’t shown the ability for that to happen.

C.J. Cron: Much like many of the players below, Cron wasn't very effective this season. He hit .200 with the Halos after coming over from Colorado, and the team could likely do much better moving forward.

Eduardo Escobar: Escobar wasn't great for the Angels after coming over from the Mets, and he has a $9 million club option. The Halos likely decline this.

Randal Grichuk: Grichuk was one of the players placed on waivers by the Halos, only he wasn't claimed. He isn't coming back next season unless he takes a massive pay cut from the $9 million he earned this season.

Aaron Loup: Posting a 6.10 ERA this season, Luop may not return to the Halos next year. He has a club option for $7.5 million next year, and the team may as well decline that to search for more effective help in the bullpen.

Mike Moustakas: Moustakas came over to the Angels from the Rockies, and he definitely didn't perform as well in Anaheim. But, he is a veteran player who could help the younger guys on this team next season. He also likely won't go for too much money, so the Angels should 100% bring him back if possible.

Gio Urshela: Urshela only played in 62 games for the Halos, but he was decently productive. He hit .299 with two home runs and 24 runs batted in over that time. If they can get him back on a lower-term contract, they should do it. Urshela can provide good depth for this team next season.