LA Angels’ Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery Links Grow, Crucial Ace Search Continues

The Los Angeles Angels are under immense pressure. The face of their franchise Mike Trout has made it clear – he wants more big-name signings. Other players have joined in on this sentiment as well. There’s one other man who is under just as much pressure as Arte Moreno – Scott Boras. With Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery still in the market, looks like the stage is set for a possible union in Anaheim.

Boras is coming off an unusually team-friendly deal for his client Cody Bellinger. His willingness to accept a lower-than-expected deal for his client has sent a clear message around the league. As of now, it’s the Anaheim Angels who could take advantage of this situation. 

Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery find another strong suitor 

Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery’s free agencies have been busy with different teams. While Snell’s dealings with the New York Yankees currently are at an impasse, Monty’s connection with the Boston Red Sox hasn’t moved as quickly as desired. Amidst this, MLB insider Robert Murray has shared that the Angels are “open to” a deal with Snell or Montgomery. However, their interest “depends on the price.”

Yesterday MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand shared a similar report. According to him, the Angels “appear primed to ultimately land either him (Montgomery) or Snell when all is said and done.” So it looks like the Halos are firmly in the race. Price has always been the issue for the Halos, but the Bellinger deal might have given them some hopes.

Initially, Bellinger was expected to sign an over $150 million deal. However, after a lengthy battle with the Chicago Cubs, he ended up signing a front-loaded 3-year $80 million deal. As a result, Belli will get paid $30 million in the first two years and $20 million in the last. The deal also had two opt-outs. 

Read more: Blake Snell Short-Term Deal Incoming? Serious Questions Arise Amidst Scott Boras’ Cody Bellinger Compromise

This was perhaps one of the rare moments where Boras had to compromise on his client’s price. The Halos have noted this fact and are back for Snell or Monty. More so, signing either Monty or Snell is a must for the Angels. The pressure that is mounting on Arte Moreno could damage the squad’s morale.

Los Angeles Angels’ need for a star player 

Ever since losing Shohei Ohtani, the Halos have majorly signed players to a minor league contract. Other than that, the franchise has strengthened its bullpen, but without a major star signing. Hence, the team looks rather weak. Add to this, in a rare occurrence, Mike Trout demanded new signings in his recent press talks. This has sent signals that the squad wants to be competitive this year.

As of now, the Angels don’t look eager to spend big. However, as Robert Murray said, “With Arte Moreno, you can’t necessarily rule anything out.” He has a history of making surprising signings – could Snell or Monty be the next?

Read more: Cody Bellinger Deal Opens Floodgates for ‘Bridge Contracts’ With Remaining Scott Boras Free Agents