The Los Angeles Angels are one of the worst teams in MLB and Mike Trout is on the injured list, two outcomes that have become all too common for this franchise in recent years. With no hope of an in-season turnaround, it’s time for the Halos to start thinking of ways to rebuild.
While Trout is probably never being traded, Los Angeles does have plenty of other trade candidates on its roster. If the front office is given the green light to launch a rebuild, while cutting ties with players who haven’t done enough to make Los Angeles a contender, the Angels can come out ahead this summer.
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Let’s dive into our trades that can help the Los Angeles Angels rebuild.
Tyler Anderson traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers
Trades between the Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers are pretty rare. There have been some attempted deals that have fallen through in recent years, but there isn’t a strong enough rivalry here to prevent trade talks. Plus, it’s always smart to snag prospects from an organization that excels at player development.
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The Dodgers could easily afford to absorb the Tyler Anderson contract, taking on the remainder of his $13 million salary this season and the entirety of his $13 million salary in 2025. Anderson excelled in his stint with the Dodgers back in 2022 and he offers stability (2.48 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) to stabilize an injury-plagued pitching staff. If the Halos want to get a better prospect in return, they could attach some money.
- Los Angeles Dodgers receive: Tyler Anderson, $3.5 million cash considerations
- Los Angeles Angels receive: LHP Ronan Kopp (Dodgers’ No. 15 prospect)
In this deal, Los Angeles receives a prospect who could join its starting rotation at some point in 2026. Ronan Knopp, age 21, dominated at High-A last season with a .184 batting average allowed and a 35.8 percent strikeout rate. Command is an issue for him, demonstrated by a 25.3 percent walk rate in 18.2 innings this season at Double-A. However, the fastball-slider combo is enticing and there’s enough potential here to justify parting ways with Anderson.
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Taylor Ward dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies
Taylor Ward has been very good in an Angels uniform. A California native, he produced a .787 OPS with 58 home runs and 185 RBI in his last 372 games from 2021-’24. While no one would mistake those numbers for a perennial outfielder, Ward’s production has flown under the radar and it stands out given the lack of lineup help around him.
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The Philadelphia Phillies need help in the corner outfield. Entering MLB games today, the Phillies rank 23rd in OS (.665) by left fielders and are 18th in OPS (.670) at right field. While most fans in Philadelphia would want a bigger name, Ward’s appealing because he has a $4.8 million salary this year and is arbitration-eligible through 2026.
- Philadelphia Phillies receive: Taylor Ward
- Los Angeles Angels receive: OF Gabriel Rincones Jr (Phillies’ No. 9 prospect)
As a 23-year-old playing at the Double-A level, Gabriel Rincones Jr. has been excellent at the plate. He boasts a 16.7 percent walk rate with a .300/.417/.600 slash line. He did suffer a torn ligament in his right thumb in April, but he should be closing in on a return. If he develops, the Angels will have a source of power in the corner outfield by 2026.
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Los Angels Angels send Luis Rengifo to the Seattle Mariners
The only time you shouldn’t trade with a division rival is if you’re giving them a star player with multiple years of contract control. Otherwise, do what’s best for your team’s future. For as productive as Luis Rengifo has been for the Angels lineup this season, the best thing Los Angeles can do for its long-term outlook is to trade him to a contender.
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There’s an obvious hole in the Seattle Mariners lineup. Entering June 25, Seattle’s second basemen ranked 23rd in OPS (.631) and its third basemen ranked 23rd with a .659 OPS. Wherever Seattle wanted Rengifo to play, he would help the team.
- Seattle Mariners receive: Luis Rengifo, Hunter Strickland
- Los Angeles Angels trade: OF Jonatan Clase (Mariners’ No. 10 prospect), RHP Jeter Martienz (Mariners’ No. 17 prospect)
As with Taylor Ward, there’s a little added return because Rengifo is under contract next season. Plus, the remaining half of his $4.4 million salary this season is easy for the Mariners to justify at a time when they’re trying to be fiscally aggressive.
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Jonatan Clase is a 5-foot-8 outfielder who tore through the Double-A level earlier this season. As a 22-year-old, Clase slashed .275/.389/.467 with a 16.3 percent walk rate, 22 steals and a .856 OPS. He’ll need a lot more time at Triple-A, but his speed is already an MLB weapon and there’s upside to be an above-average outfielder in his prime.
Jeter Martnez, 18, would be a long-term lottery ticket for Los Angeles. The 6-foot-4 righty has a three-pitch mix (fastball, changeup and slider) that could help him blossom into a No. 3 starter if all goes well.
