NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Los Angeles Angels remain involved in the biggest story in the sport as the Winter Meetings passed without reaching an agreement with Shohei Ohtani. But that doesn’t stop the organization from taking steps that indicate hope of competing, Ohtani or not, in 2024.
That goes beyond the move they made Wednesday night as the meetings concluded at Gaylord’s Opryland Resort, agreeing to terms with right-handed reliever Adam Cimber on a one-year, $1.65 million deal.
The club has been aggressively scanning the trade market to begin pitching, and has roped in the Toronto Blue Jays to sign former All-Star shortstop Alec Manuwa, league sources familiar with the situation said. The athlete. Those discussions have not generated any interest, and Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said this week that the club does not plan to move any of its starters despite receiving interest. like The athleteOn Wednesday, manager John Schneider said Manuwa (who is 25 and remains under team control through 2027) is “certainly part of our plans moving forward,” Caitlin McGrath wrote.
However, interest from the Angels indicates some of the club’s intentions as it looks to address a rotation that ranks 19th in baseball with a 4.47 ERA in 2023 and revamp its coaching staff with new pitching coach Barry Enright and bullpen coach Steve Karsay. Working under manager Ron Washington. Starting pitching is an obvious need for a group that saw some of its key players decline in 2023 and would benefit from adding a front-line starter.
The Angels have surveyed and engaged in discussions on multiple fronts across a wide range of rookie pitchers, according to a person familiar with the situation. This has included targets such as Cleveland Guardians right-hander Shane Bieber, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Corbin Burns, and Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow, among others.
Opposing clubs sought a variety of packages in discussions as the Angels pursued the pitching trade market. No deals are imminent, but the club’s willingness to engage in the market even with Ohtani remaining available may indicate something about the club’s intentions this season.
The organization has been aggressive in promotions within its farm system. He has targeted prospects close to the major leagues in recent seasons as general manager Perry Minasian has tried to get the Angels back to the postseason for the first time since 2014, producing or acquiring interesting young talents like catcher Logan Ohope, and Zach. Neto and even brought 2023 first-round pick Nolan Shanwell to the major leagues after just 22 games in the minor league. Having these players continue to produce could give the club foundational pieces that can be cost-controlled, as it continues to contract Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon together (Trout through 2030, Rendon through 2026).
Rival clubs are also interested in some of the Angels’ young talent, giving the organization a path through the trade market to fill other holes on the roster.
(Alec Manoah Photo: Galen Morse/Getty Images)
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