MLB Trade Deadline: 5 worst moves
By Matt Couden
4. Angels get Ricky Nolasco, Alex Meyer
The Los Angeles Angels (47-58) are dwelling near the American League West basement, and it appears they truly want to stay in that area. The team made a bizarre move by sending away 2015 All-Star left-hander Hector Santiago and a minor league prospect to the Minnesota Twins. In return, the Angels picked up right-handers Alex Meyer and Ricky Nolasco. One has to wonder why they wanted to add these two particular players.
It’s baffling for a team to deal an All-Star pitcher of Santiago’s caliber and not get so much in return for their pitching rotation. Nolasco, who is 33 years old, went 15-22 with a 5.44 ERA for Minnesota. Meyer, age 26, was 0-1 this season in two appearances, with a 12.27 ERA. He had just one start on his stat sheet for the team.
Meanwhile, the Angels sent away Santiago, who had been 10-4 this season with a 4.25 ERA. Over the course of his career, which started with the White Sox in 2011, Santiago has gone 33-32 with a 3.68 ERA, giving the Twins a solid ace for their rotation. This move may have the Twins management laughing, as they basically got to pay the Angels to take Nolasco and Meyer off their hands while picking up a former All-Star pitcher in the process.
Next: 3. White Sox trade no starters