5 moves the Angels must make now that Mike Trout is the future

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a two run home run in the first inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners played on September 15, 2018 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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2. Sign Dallas Keuchel

Dallas Keuchel is not the pitcher he was when he won the AL Cy Young with the Astros in 2015 (20-8, 2.38 ERA, 8.4 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, 1.017 WHIP over 232 innings). But he’s still a perfectly fine top half of the rotation starter, coming off topping 200 innings (204.2) with a 3.74 ERA last year. He joins Kimbrel as a top name who is still available.

Keuchel obviously has ample experience pitching in the AL West. In 12 career starts at Angels Stadium (80 innings), he has a 3.26 ERA with a 1.113 WHIP and a .241 opponent’s batting average. Rust is a significant concern right now, but Keuchel has apparently being going through something close to a typical spring training at agent Scott Boras’ facility and scouts from two teams have been there to see him throw.

Since he declined a qualifying offer from Houston early in the offseason, Keuchel is tied to draft pick compensation for the team that signs him. The Angels should not be swayed by that though, and Keuchel would slot in nicely at or near the top of their rotation.

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