Angels Rumors: MLB Insider Expects the Halos to Buy at the Trade Deadline
With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, teams need to start figuring out whether they want to be buyers or sellers.
With the expanded playoffs in place, more teams than ever may elect to be buyers which then leaves the market scarce for others.
It was already expected to be a slower deadline than in previous years. but with the Wild Card races being so tight, it could get even smaller.
Take the Angels for example. They find themselves sitting in third place within the AL West and just a few games back of a potential playoff spot. But what direction do they go?
Prior to their July 4 game against the San Diego Padres, many believed that the team would end up being buyers. But within 24 hours, the Angels have lost their three best players to injury and their season now looks like a question mark.
Many are expecting them to be sellers once again at the deadline, but one MLB insider sees it a different way. Jon Morosi of MLB Network thinks the Halos will indeed be buyers despite the injuries.
“I really believe they’re still in ‘buy mode.’ I do not buy at all this notion that, ‘well because Trout’s gonna be out for a period of time this means that Ohtani is suddenly available at the deadline.’ I don’t buy that at all, at least not right now. I think, for now, the Angels are still very much in contention mode."
The Angels will have some decisions to make as the next few weeks play out. Not only do they want to try and maximize this season, but there is also the impending free agency of Shohei Ohtani.
The team hasn't reached the postseason since his arrival and it's been heavily rumored that he will leave the team this winter. They need to show him that they can do what it takes to win and these injuries are just another in a long line of bad luck for this franchise.
"They look at the fact they’re still above .500 right now," Morosi said. "(Mickey) Moniak has had some good moments for them this season. I think they’re gonna roll with this lineup and hope that by the end of July, they’re still in a contending posture."
The team does have some players that may be able to help them survive without their stars but it won't be easy. The next man up mentality will be crucial for the Angels over these next few weeks otherwise there could be drastic measures taken by the front office.
