MLB Power Rankings: Post Winter Meetings

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 11: Giancarlo Stanton is introduced as a member of the New York Yankees during the 2017 Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort on Monday, December 11, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via 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) /

11. Los Angeles Angels

The Houston Astros stole the show early in the offseason last year, adding Carlos Beltran, Josh Reddick, Charlie Morton and Brian McCann in rapid order. The Astros had a plan for their offseason last year and moved quickly. This year, the team stealing all of the early headlines with a series of calm and calculated moves is the Los Angeles Angels.

The Halos were obviously dealt a miraculous hand when Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani picked them over a handful of more likely suitors like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs. Somehow, someway, the Angels won over Ohtani, and they have their potential ace for the future at a league-minimum price.

Ohtani alone would not have been enough to put the Angels back in the playoff hunt for the first time since 2014. He is going to have his growing pains, and Los Angeles is going to have to figure out how best to use him as a two-way player. The Angels were able to lock up left fielder Justin Upton quickly after he opted out of the four years remaining on his initial contract. Five years and $105 million is a fair price to pay for Upton, who gives Mike Trout his first competent running mate.

Last week, the Angels upped the ante by trading for second baseman Ian Kinsler and signing Zack Cozart to play third base. With Martin Maldonado, Trout, Kinsler, Andrelton Simmons, Kole Clahoun and Cozart, the Angels have one of the best defenses in the league. The offense will also see a major boost from a full season of Upton and Cozart and Kinsler replacing some truly forgettable names.

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