Angels Rumors: Halos Targeting Top Hitter on the Trade Market

The Angels are looking to make another big move.

The Angels may not be done just yet.

The Halos pulled off a blockbuster trade on Tuesday night, acquiring Chicago White Sox ace Lucas Giolito as part of the most momentous deal before MLB's August 1st trade deadline.

But they clearly don't seem satisfied with just that, as they're targeting arguably the top hitter available on the trade market, per MLB insider Jon Morosi.

Source: Angels have discussed a Jeimer Candelario trade with Nats, in addition to their recently completed deal with the White Sox. @MLBNetwork @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 27, 2023

Jeimer Candelario has been a rare bright spot for the Nationals in 2023, as he's slashing .257/.334/.486 on the season along with 16 home runs and 51 RBI -- both of which are on pace to shatter his previous career highs of 19 HRs and 54 RBI.

But the team in the Nation's Capital isn't going anywhere consequential this season, as they're in last place in the NL East.

With that said, the Nationals will be able to get good value in a Candelario deal, and they've found a willing taker in the Halos.

Time will tell if Candelario finds himself headed to Southern California, but after the Angels acquired Giolito in this season's blockbuster trade, no one can put anything past the Halos.

If Candelario does end up being the newest to don Angel red, he'll instantly be a feared hitter in an already strong lineup that includes a core of Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Anthony Rendon when they're all healthy. The current National would add quality depth to the lineup as the Angels try to make the postseason for the first time since 2014.

The Angels are already a formidable team with Ohtani and Giolito anchoring their starting rotation, but adding Jeimer Candelario to an already potent roster would be another significant move.

And clearly the franchise that already added the top available pitcher is both able and willing to refine their roster ahead of what suddenly may be the biggest few months in team history.