MLB Free Agency: Projecting the LA Angels’ Rotation With Blake Snell Aboard

Angels are roaming over Anaheim – will they take the Halos to the promised land? Spring Training has been quite interesting for the Los Angeles Angels. Things are going well. But it’s still just Spring Training – things can change. Perhaps that’s why the links with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery have gone even deeper now. But until a pen is put to paper, it’s all talks. So it’s better to see where the Halos stand currently.

While Mike Trout remains their talisman, there’s slowly a well-functioning team being built in Anaheim. Although it’s still a work in progress, at least for now, the hitting seems to be in good shape. However, pitching is a different story. The mound has always been an Achilles heel for the Angels (why the Snell chatter is growing ever louder). But until that comes to pass, here’s how the pitching lineup is and the importance of Snell’s presence could be for the team.

The mound strength of the Los Angeles Angels

According to RotoChamp, the Angels are expected to continue with most of their pitchers of last season. Of course, there’s a crucial absence of Shohei Ohtani here and will be missed dearly. Especially because till now, the Halos haven’t attempted to replace his immense contribution to the squad. As of now, Reid Detmers will lead the lineup.

Griffin Canning, Patrick Sandoval, Tyler Anderson, and perhaps Chas Silseth will join Detmers. The last name is still to be finalized, as there’s great competition between Silsete, Jose Suarez, and Zach Pleasac. However, until then, this lineup seems most likely for the Angels. While it’s a talented group of pitchers, they’re coming off of really shabby performances in 2023.

Detmers had a 4.48 ERA and suffered through a series of flyball issues. With his control found lacking, Detmers was attacked mercilessly by hitters. However, the pitcher’s slider has improved, which could be huge for him. Similarly, Sandoval and Aderson had ERAs of 4.11 and 5.43. 

Read more: MLB Free Agency: Yankees 2024 Rotation Frozen With Blake Snell’s ‘Strong Preference’ for LA Angels?

While things could improve a lot in 2024, the risks are inherent for the Angels. Could the addition of the Cy Young winner give some depth to their defense? 

Blake Snell’s presence could prove to be a blessing for the Halos

It has been constantly reported that Snell’s short-term deal could perfectly suit the Halos. Arte Moreno isn’t known to spend big on pitchers, especially for a long-term contract. So getting a Cy Young-winning player for what could essentially be a one-year rental seems like a great deal. Especially, after their superstar Trout has publicly stated that the team needs free agent signing.

So, while the Halos prepare for the post-Ohtani era, could Snell take them to the promised land? Surely, in a staff that’s short on safe options, signing the current ERA titleholder would be an attractive option. Now the ball is in Moreno’s court, one wonders what he’ll decide.

Read more: Limited Spring Training Could Stunt Blake Snell & Jordan Montgomery’s Synergy With New Teams