David Price to Angels
After watching the Red Sox dismantle the Angels pitching staff this season the need is clear – LAA needs functioning arms and that means Price. The big picture is the remaining $127 MM on Price’s contract for 2019-22. This drifts into the realm of a salary dump. But Price is proving he can still pitch and LAA has money.
Just what do the Angels have that may quench a baseball thirst? The Angels farm system is similar to that of the Red Sox – rather barren and that sets limits, but limits are already in place with Price’s contract.
The target I would have to start with is a 20-year old second baseman, Jahmai Jones. Jones is still in the low minors (A+) and is struggling to get to the .250 plateau. With Dustin Pedroia, questionable yearly Jones could be an addition if his 2020 ETA is realized. The right-hand hitting Jones has shown spurts of power 14 home runs in 2017.
"His intangibles give Jones a very high floor. His tools and athleticism give him a very high ceiling. He’s poised to impact the upper levels of the Angels system and could be ready to join another toolsy homegrown player, Trout, in Los Angeles soon. – MLB Prospect Watch."
Jones’ athleticism is demonstrated by excellent defensive prowess and some very good speed with 27 steals last season. Jones has rough edges and may suddenly put it together or simply stall once he advances up the minor league ladder.
Chris Rodriguez is a 19-year-old right-hander who throws hard (mid-90s) and has not pitched this season. For his minor league career, Rodriguez has a 5.40 ERA in 68.1 innings. What Rodriguez offers is a “promise” and sometimes they get broken.
"Rodriguez is a solid athlete who has done a very good job taking care of his body to help him maximize the considerable tools he has. He’s a strong breakout candidate, one who could start moving up pitching prospect lists soon. – MLB Prospect Watch"
The last is a payroll offset and that means 30-year-old left-hand hitting Kole Calhoun. Calhoun is owed $10.5 MM for 2019 with a team option for $14 MM or a one million buyout for 2020. Calhoun won a Gold Glove (2015) for his outfield work, but his hitting has never quite reached the next level with a .254 career average. Calhoun does have decent power once hitting 26 home runs. A help balance the books moment.