5 Players The Los Angeles Angels Should Target In MLB Free Agency

By Bryan Zarpentine

5 Players the Los Angeles Angels Should Target in MLB Free Agency

Mike Trout — Despite an impressive win total, the Los Angeles Angels had a disappointing 2015 after narrowly missing out on the postseason. With two other teams in the AL West making the playoffs, the Angels have some work to do if they expect to reach the postseason in 2016. Heading into the offseason, the Angels look prepared to spend plenty of money to help make that happen. Here are five players they should target.

5. Mat Latos

Mat Latos

5. Mat Latos

Mat Latos — The Angels signed Latos to make a start for them late in the season, so why not bring him on board for the entire 2016 campaign? Latos is among the youngest starting pitchers on the free agent market, and the Angels could use some youth in their rotation. Also, despite a dreadful 2015 season, Latos had an ERA under 3.50 every year from 2010-14, so he's more than capable of having a bounce-back year and giving the Angels good rotation depth.

4. Dioner Navarro

Dioner Navarro, Toronto Blue Jays, MLB Rumors

4. Dioner Navarro

Dioner Navarro, Toronto Blue Jays, MLB Rumors — Catcher was a weakness for the Angels last season and obviously a position they need to upgrade for 2016. Most teams looking for a catcher will be going after Matt Wieters, but perhaps the Angels can avoid that bidding war and pursue Navarro instead. He's likely to come much cheaper than Wieters, and with regular at bats, Navarro can still be a productive hitter and an upgrade behind the plate for the Angels.

3. Daniel Murphy

New York Mets Rumors: Team Would Be Smart to Let Daniel Murphy Leave Via Free Agency

3. Daniel Murphy

New York Mets Rumors: Team Would Be Smart to Let Daniel Murphy Leave Via Free Agency — With Howie Kendrick leaving, the Angels have a vacancy at second base, not to mention unproven players at third base. Seeing that Murphy is capable of playing both those positions, he's an obvious target for the Angels. Murphy also happens to be a great all around hitter who shows no signs of slowing down while showing in the postseason that he also has some power. Between his hitting and versatility, he'd be a great addition for the Angels.

2. Alex Gordon

Alex Gordon

2. Alex Gordon

Alex Gordon — Left field is a big concern for the Angels, and Gordon is one of the top options on the free agent market to fill that hole. Putting Gordon next to Mike Trout would give the Angels great defense in the outfield to support their pitching staff, not to mention a lefty to help balance out a right-heavy lineup that features Trout, Albert Pujols and C.J. Cron. The price will be steep, including a draft pick, but Gordon would be an ideal signing.

1. Yovani Gallardo

Yovani Gallardo, MLB Rumors, Toronto Blue Jays

1. Yovani Gallardo

Yovani Gallardo, MLB Rumors, Toronto Blue Jays — Gallardo isn't quite an ace, but he's definitely a trustworthy No. 2 starter who can help lead a rotation into the postseason, and it bears mentioning that Gallardo has a 2.32 ERA in six postseason appearances. Signing Gallardo would not only strengthen the Angels, but it would also weaken the division rival Rangers, making it more sensible to go after him than get in a bidding war for one of the other pitchers on the market this winter.

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Los Angeles Angels

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