REPORT: Yankees trading with Los Angeles Angels

Last season’s trade deadline presented a dilemma for the Los Angeles Angels. With a 56-51 record and trailing in the AL West, they faced the choice of either trading Shohei Ohtani to kickstart a rebuild or bolstering their roster to make a playoff push. Opting for the latter, they acquired Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo López, CJ Cron, and Randal Grichuk by trading top prospects. However, this move backfired as Giolito struggled, Cron underperformed, and Ohtani suffered a season-ending injury, resulting in a disappointing 73-89 finish.

This year, the Angels are expected to be sellers. With Mike Trout recovering from injury and the team languishing near the bottom of the AL, players like Taylor Ward and Tyler Anderson are likely to be moved. Ward, who has rebounded this season, offers stability in the outfield and is under team control until 2026. Anderson, showing promise after a rough 2023, could bolster a contender’s pitching rotation.

In the bullpen, veterans like Carlos Estévez and Luis García are potential targets. Estévez, the closer, has been effective with a 3.24 ERA and is set to become a free agent after this season. Griffin Canning provides depth as a reliable starter under team control.

Position players like Luis Rengifo and Kevin Pillar offer versatility and offensive contributions, while Brandon Drury, despite a tough year, could attract interest due to his past performance and flexibility.

Despite ongoing trade rumors, it’s unlikely the Angels will move Trout mid-season, given his iconic status and recent injury setbacks. The New York Yankees, looking to bolster their infield and bullpen, could target players like Rengifo and Estévez to improve their roster.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Angels present an opportunity for teams to acquire talent, despite their disappointing season.