MLB · 3 months ago

Playing GM: The Final Pieces the LA Angels Need for 2026

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

Host · Writer

Sign Brent Suter
- Projected contract: One year, $1.14159 million
- 2025 stats: 48 G, 67.2 IP, 4.52 ERA, 4.08 xERA, 0.1 fWAR
Brent Suter represents the type of veteran who quietly raises a pitching staff’s floor. He’s built a reputation as a dependable innings-eater, reaching at least 65 innings in each of the past five seasons while often working in low-leverage or long-relief roles.

Since transitioning full-time to the bullpen in 2019, Suter has posted a 3.39 ERA. Last season was the first time his ERA climbed above 4.00 during that span, marking his only such season since his final year as a starter in 2018. The overall body of work still points to a pitcher who can be trusted to take the ball and keep games under control.

The Angels may have several late-inning options, but nearly all of them come with durability or performance concerns. Suter wouldn’t be brought in to close games, yet it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up leading the bullpen in innings pitched simply because of his availability and consistency.

At the end of the day, this is about value. If a team can secure 65-plus major-league quality innings for under $1.5 million—and has the roster flexibility to do so—it’s an easy call. In that context, even a quirky price tag like the suggested $1.14159 million looks like a bargain.

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Los Angeles Angels Offseason So Far
The Los Angeles Angels began their offseason with a bold swing, trading outfielder Taylor Ward to the Orioles for Grayson Rodriguez, a frontline-caliber starter whose career has been slowed by injuries. They followed that move a few weeks later by adding another high-upside right-hander in Alek Manoah, betting on a rebound after injuries and inconsistency derailed his trajectory.

The Angels then focused on upgrading the bullpen, signing Drew Pomeranz, Kirby Yates, and Jordan Romano. That group could be anchored by a healthy Robert Stephenson, with Ben Joyce also in the mix if he’s able to stay on the field.

If things break right, there’s a plausible scenario where Los Angeles enters 2026 with a pitching staff that’s a legitimate strength. That path, however, depends on several key variables. Rodriguez, Stephenson, and Joyce must stay healthy, while Manoah, Yates, and Romano need to rediscover their best form. Reid Detmers also has to prove he can successfully transition back into the rotation.

Nothing about that outcome is guaranteed, but the upside is undeniable. With a few more reliable depth pieces and meaningful improvement on the defensive side, the Angels could significantly raise the floor of their run prevention. If enough bets pay off, pitching could quietly become one of the most encouraging parts of their roster.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
Sign Harrison Bader
- Projected contract: Two years, $25 million
- 2025 stats: 146 G, 501 PA, 17 HR, 122 wRC+, 11 SB, 6 OAA, 3.2 fWAR
Jo Adell logged 89 games in center field for the Angels last season, and that experiment needs to end. In roughly half a season’s workload, he cost the team 13 runs by DRS and eight more by FRV, numbers that underscore just how damaging the defense was.

Mike Trout is no longer a center-field option, and Adell shouldn’t be either. That leaves the Angels staring at an uninspiring mix of Bryce Teodosio, Kyren Paris, Matthew Lugo, or Wade Meckler. It’s hard to identify a stopgap, which speaks to how glaring the need is. Simply put, this is why Harrison Bader makes so much sense for L.A.

Bader is coming off what may have been the best year of his career in 2025, setting personal highs in home runs, RBI, OPS, and wRC+. The offense was a bonus; the defense remained the calling card.

After opening the season in left field with the Twins behind Byron Buxton, Bader returned to center following a midseason trade to the Phillies and excelled. Across his time in the outfield, he posted 13 DRS, six OAA, and a five FRV.

Suppose Bader comes close to repeating that 2025 performance, a two-year, $25 million deal would be a bargain. Even with an expected offensive step back, his defense alone would represent a meaningful upgrade for the Angels.

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Trade for Ryan McMahon
- Angels get: Ryan McMahon, $7 million
- Yankees get: Ryan Zeferjahn
- McMahon’s 2025 stats: 154 G, 586 PA, 20 HR, 86 wRC+, 3 SB, 6 OAA, 1.9 fWAR
With the Anthony Rendon situation finally behind them, the Angels have a clear hole to fill at third base. Vaughn Grissom has some experience there in the minors, but his skill set fits better at second. Former top prospect Christian Moore also profiles as a second baseman and struggled mightily at the plate in 2025, leaving L.A. without an obvious internal solution.

The Angels are reportedly the only team to show trade interest in Nolan Arenado, and a return to Southern California could entice him to waive his no-trade clause.

Still, the Angels may be better served targeting Ryan McMahon. McMahon swings with more bat speed, hits the ball harder, draws walks at a higher rate, and hasn’t landed on the injured list since 2019. He’s also three-and-a-half years younger.

There’s a real case that McMahon is the better bet in 2026 and an even stronger one for 2027, when Arenado will be 36. Just as important, McMahon doesn’t come with a no-trade clause.

In this mock deal, the Yankees cover $7 million of the $32 million remaining on McMahon’s contract, leaving the Angels on the hook for two years and $25 million. In return, New York receives right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn. While command remains an issue, Zeferjahn’s raw stuff gives the Yankees a worthwhile upside play.
Sign Brent Suter
- Projected contract: One year, $1.14159 million
- 2025 stats: 48 G, 67.2 IP, 4.52 ERA, 4.08 xERA, 0.1 fWAR
Brent Suter represents the type of veteran who quietly raises a pitching staff’s floor. He’s built a reputation as a dependable innings-eater, reaching at least 65 innings in each of the past five seasons while often working in low-leverage or long-relief roles.

Since transitioning full-time to the bullpen in 2019, Suter has posted a 3.39 ERA. Last season was the first time his ERA climbed above 4.00 during that span, marking his only such season since his final year as a starter in 2018. The overall body of work still points to a pitcher who can be trusted to take the ball and keep games under control.

The Angels may have several late-inning options, but nearly all of them come with durability or performance concerns. Suter wouldn’t be brought in to close games, yet it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up leading the bullpen in innings pitched simply because of his availability and consistency.

At the end of the day, this is about value. If a team can secure 65-plus major-league quality innings for under $1.5 million—and has the roster flexibility to do so—it’s an easy call. In that context, even a quirky price tag like the suggested $1.14159 million looks like a bargain.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Los Angeles Angels Offseason So Far
The Los Angeles Angels began their offseason with a bold swing, trading outfielder Taylor Ward to the Orioles for Grayson Rodriguez, a frontline-caliber starter whose career has been slowed by injuries. They followed that move a few weeks later by adding another high-upside right-hander in Alek Manoah, betting on a rebound after injuries and inconsistency derailed his trajectory.

The Angels then focused on upgrading the bullpen, signing Drew Pomeranz, Kirby Yates, and Jordan Romano. That group could be anchored by a healthy Robert Stephenson, with Ben Joyce also in the mix if he’s able to stay on the field.

If things break right, there’s a plausible scenario where Los Angeles enters 2026 with a pitching staff that’s a legitimate strength. That path, however, depends on several key variables. Rodriguez, Stephenson, and Joyce must stay healthy, while Manoah, Yates, and Romano need to rediscover their best form. Reid Detmers also has to prove he can successfully transition back into the rotation.

Nothing about that outcome is guaranteed, but the upside is undeniable. With a few more reliable depth pieces and meaningful improvement on the defensive side, the Angels could significantly raise the floor of their run prevention. If enough bets pay off, pitching could quietly become one of the most encouraging parts of their roster.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

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Playing GM: The Final Pieces the LA Angels Need for 2026

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