The Los Angeles Angels are in a position to significantly influence the upcoming Major League Baseball trade deadline, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal, speaking on the Foul Territory podcast, suggested that the Angels possess "any number of attractive pieces" that could control the market this year. This comes at a time of internal flux, with the team having recently fired general manager Perry Minasian and appointed John Mozeliak as interim general manager.
Mozeliak has indicated a need for significant operational changes across the organization, from the major league roster down to the minor leagues. Given the Angels' current standing in the American League West with a 36-49 record entering the week, this presents a prime opportunity for them to become sellers at the deadline.
Key players cited as potential trade assets include pitcher Jose Soriano and left-hander Reid Detmers. Both pitchers are under club control for two more seasons beyond the current one. Soriano has shown strong performance, at one point being considered an early Cy Young candidate with a 2.65 ERA through the first two months of the season. Detmers has also been a significant contributor, with reports suggesting he could fetch a substantial return comparable to that of pitcher Tarik Skubal if traded.
Rosenthal also mentioned outfielder Jo Adell as a potential trade candidate, noting he has one year of club control remaining after this season. Other players like pitcher Brent Suter and infielder Adam Frazier were also listed as possible trade pieces.
The Angels have historically been reluctant to sell at the trade deadline, notably keeping Shohei Ohtani before the 2023 deadline. Rosenthal remarked that under owner Arte Moreno, the team has often resisted such moves. However, the current team performance and front office changes suggest a potential shift in strategy.
If the Angels opt not to sell, Rosenthal suggested they would need to focus on building around their existing core, which includes star player Mike Trout and promising young pitcher Walbert Ureña, who has posted a 3.14 ERA with 69 strikeouts in 13 starts this season.