""Is (a lefty hitter) the No. 1 pressing need? Is that 'A' on the checklist of things to do? No," Minasian told reporters (link via Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register). "But it is something we've talked about a ton. We want to be a more balanced offense. ... There are some really attractive right-handed hitters that I'd love to have, that are just good hitters, that I don't necessarily think anyone cares if they're right-handed or left-handed. So does it have to be left-handed? No. Apples to apples? Of course, you choose left hand over right-handed.""
"The Halos have three pitchers penciled into the Opening Day rotation: Yusei Kikuchi, José Soriano and Reid Detmers. They don't have much beyond that with none of , Sam Aldegheri, Jack Kochanowicz or Mitch Farris securing a rotation spot. They're likely to push 2025 second overall pick Tyler Bremner quickly, but it'd be surprising if the Angels were willing to carry him in the Opening Day rotation before he pitches in the minors at all. They skipped 2024 second-rounder Ryan Johnson right to the big leagues as a reliever this past season, but he struggled and was optioned in early May. Johnson built back as a starter and pitched well in High-A but still has no starting experience in the upper levels."
"The bullpen could lose its two most reliable arms. Detmers, last season's top setup man, is moving back to the rotation. Closer Kenley Jansen is a free agent. The Angels presumably would like to bring Jansen back after an excellent season. The four-time All-Star went 29-30 in save chances. He turned in a 2.59 ERA across 59 innings. Even that was inflated by one nightmare appearance against the Ti"
The Angels aim to add multiple starting pitchers and bolster the bullpen while improving offensive balance, with a preference for a left-handed bat but openness to top right-handed hitters. Three pitchers—Yusei Kikuchi, José Soriano and Reid Detmers—are currently penciled into the Opening Day rotation, leaving limited depth behind them. Prospects such as Tyler Bremner and Ryan Johnson face uncertain paths to the rotation. The bullpen may lose Detmers to the rotation and closer Kenley Jansen to free agency; Jansen produced a 2.59 ERA across 59 innings and converted 29 of 30 save opportunities.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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