Arte Moreno is Reportedly Holding the Angels Back From Signing Blake Snell
The Los Angeles Angels have been searching for starting pitching help all winter long, but nothing has come to fruition. They've made minor moves around the edges, but the front office seems determined to land an ace-level starter to lead the staff.
Starting pitching has been one of the biggest priorities for the Halos this offseason, and the team understands the need to build a solid rotation. They want to be competitive next season and even potentially break their long playoff drought.
One of the biggest names that the Angels have been connected with this entire offseason is starting pitcher Blake Snell. Snell is the reigning National League Cy Young winner and is looking to cash in on the open market.
According to The New York Post's Jon Heyman, the Angels like Snell, but owner Arte Moreno hasn't given the okay to sign him.
"The Angels are staying in touch on Blake Snell (and Jordan Montgomery and Bellinger). They like Snell, but team owner Arte Moreno hasn’t given the go-ahead."
Per Jon Heyman of The New York Post
The Angels have historically shied away from handing out large free-agent deals to pitchers, which could be playing into everything. But Snell could be an exception worth making.
He would instantly improve the Halos starting rotation and give them a true No. 1 starter at the top of the staff. Snell would make the Angels rotation scarier to face off against, and his experience could be useful for some of the younger arms on the team.
This is a move that would be a true game-changer for the Halos and one that they should heavily consider making. Maybe Moreno will ease up his stance, but for now, Snell remains one of their top targets.