MLB Winter Meetings 2017: 5 biggest winners

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 31: Brandon Morrow #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros in game six of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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ANAHEIM, CA – DECEMBER 09: Shohei Ohtani speaks onstage as he is introduced to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on December 9, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

2. Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels had their big win for the offseason days before the Winter Meetings kicked off when Japanese pitcher/outfielder/second coming of Babe Ruth chose them over six other teams. Most Angels fans would have been content if the front office took a few weeks to process through the rest of their needs for winter, but the Angels are not resting on their laurels.

At the Winter Meetings, Los Angeles wrapped up a trade for second baseman Ian Kinsler and made progress on acquiring a third baseman. Chase Headley, recently dumped on the San Diego Padres, is the obvious play here. Unless his asking price comes down, Mike Moustakas is unlikely to work with the Angels budget. If third base were the only area of need for the team, then maybe, but the Angels still need to upgrade their starting rotation.

Last year, the Houston Astros were the most aggressive team in the early stages of the offseason. The Angels appear to be playing that part this year. It was only days after the World Series ended that they were completing an extension with left fielder Justin Upton. Ohtani fell in their laps, and the Atlanta Braves punishment allowed them to sign top prospect Kevin Maitan. They were also the only team which Kinsler was willing to waive his no-trade clause.

After missing the playoffs three years in a row, the Angels are operating with a sense of urgency to build a winner around MVP Mike Trout. With plenty of room to spend up to the luxury-tax line, don’t count the Angels out from signing Jake Arrieta or Yu Darvish to round out their rotation.

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