Veteran Starter Surprisingly Available; Could Angels Get Deal Done?

The Angels could turn to a former farmhand to add to its rotation depth.

The Los Angeles Angels' starting rotation still could use some work before the 2024 season begins.

Spring Training is here and some free agents remain available who could help Los Angeles out. The Angels could use some rotation help, but it's unclear if they are willing to spend for a top option like Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell.

There are cheaper options out there, though, who could help. One player who would make a lot of sense for the Angels is a familiar one to longtime Angels fans: former Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, and Chicago White Sox starter Mike Clevinger.

The 33-year-old spent the 2023 season with Chicago and impressed while logging a 3.77 ERA and 110-to-40 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 131.1 innings pitched. Although he had a solid season, he still is looking for his next opportunity. 

The biggest reason he hasn't landed a new contract yet could be that Snell and Montgomery still are available. Clubs are pursuing the star duo, and likely view Clevinger as a backup option.

Los Angeles might not want to spend the price needed to land a star, but certainly could afford Clevinger. He's projected to receive a contract with an annual value just north of $13 million.

In Aug. 2014, the Angels traded Clevinger — then a minor league prospect — to Cleveland in exchange for reliever Vinnie Pestano. While Pestano helped the Angels clinch the top seed in the AL postseason, he only pitched 33 games in an Angels uniform. Clevinger went 38-18 with a 2.96 ERA in 80 games with Cleveland from 2017-19.

If the Angels could land Clevinger, he would be a quiet option who could have a big impact. He has a career 3.45 ERA in seven big league seasons and still is just 33 years old.

General manager Perry Minasian has said he's still looking for ways to improve the roster. The righty would fit the need for rotation depth, and could satisfy the Angels' budget constraints.