MLB Rumors: Angels Have Two Big Free Agent Starters On Their Radar
Dave Litman December 25, 2022 Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels already hit the free agent market last month to reel in a starting pitcher (Tyler Anderson), and word is, they're not done improving their rotation just yet.
Angels, who have had a very productive winter, seek one more starter and are considering Nate Eovaldi and Corey Kluber @bradfo connected Angels and Padres to Eovaldi
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 24, 2022
According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, the Angels are looking to add one more prime arm to their starting rotation, and are considering the top two remaining starters on the market, Nate Eovaldi and Corey Kluber.
The Angels rotation currently consists of Shohei Ohtani, Anderson, Patrick Sandoval, Jose Suarez and Reid Detmers.
Eovaldi would immediately jump into the No. 2 spot in that rotation, as the free agent Boston Red Sox ace was an All-Star in 2021 and a top 5 vote-getter in Cy Young balloting. He had a 3.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and an MLB-leading walk rate of 1.7 BB/9. The 32-year-old's 2022 was marred by back and shoulder issues, and he started just 20 games, managing a 3.87 ERA.
The Padres are also said to be in on Eovaldi.
Kluber is a two-time Cy Young Award winner (2014, 2017), but entering his age-37 season is more of a steady mid-to-back-end rotation arm.
Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports