The Los Angeles Angels have continued to buy at the MLB trade deadline, adding two impact bats. How does this impact their push for October?
BREAKING: The Angels are acquiring OF Randal Grichuk and 1B C.J. Cron from the Rockies, per source. Colorado gets back RHP Jake Madden and LHP Mason Albright.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2023
Los Angeles has been one of the more active teams at the trade deadline, and the latest Angels trade continues this. In exchange for Randal Grichuk and C.J. Cron, the Colorado Rockies will receive two Single-A pitchers. The Angels are gunning for their first postseason berth since 2014 during Shohei Ohtani’s last year under contract. They sit at 55-51, four games behind the third Wild Card spot. The lineup has continued to suffer from the injury bug; 7 position players are currently on the IL following Taylor Ward’s transfer to the 60-day list, including stars Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, and Brandon Drury. This trade will aid run production during an upcoming stretch where Los Angeles plays six of their next seven series against current playoff teams. Let’s take a look at how this deal affects both teams, as well as its impact on the American League playoff picture.
Angels Acquire Lineup Depth
Grichuk has been an excellent hitter this season, slashing .312/.367/.502 with eight home runs. Though he’s provided a lot with the bat, he’s not a flawless player. He walks significantly less than average and plays below-average defense. However, the Angels acquired him for his offensive resurgence. After performing below league average (by OPS+) the past two seasons, Grichuk has found his stroke this season. Cron is a significant power threat to add to the Angels lineup. Excluding league-leader Shohei Ohtani and Trout, the Angels have hit 105 home runs, which would be tied for 23rd in the league. Cron has hit 11 home runs this season and has carried a .473 slugging percentage. Both players will be of value for the Angels as they chase the postseason.
Rockies Receive Pitching Prospects
Mason Albright has improved this season after a rough 2022, going 9-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts). He was named CAL’s pitcher of the week on July 9th. Jake Madden has struggled in his first professional season, with a 2-6 record and an ERA of 5.46. Both pitchers are under 23 years old. Neither was in the Angels’ top 30 prospects. For the Rockies, this is an expected deal of two players who are impending free agents. Colorado is always in need of pitching at Coors Field, and the two prospects included in the deal have a possibility of growing into big-league contributors. The Rockies have been the worst team in the National League this season, with a 41-64 record.
Impact on the MLB Postseason
As the Angels push for a playoff spot, they’ve made several key additions. Grichuk and Cron strengthen the lineup after Wednesday night’s trade for pitching depth. It remains to be seen whether it will be enough, with so many regular contributors on the injured list. Drury, Trout, and catcher Logan O’Hoppe are expected back by the end of August, while Ward and Gio Urshela are out for the rest of the season. As it stands, the Angels have done as much as possible to increase their chances of playing in October. They’re still not done yet, but many teams are ahead of them in the standings. With such a tough upcoming schedule, the Angels will need to play at an elite level to make up ground. For now, Los Angeles absolutely got better, and teams around the American League will take note.
Main photo credits:
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Shohei Ohtani, Taylor Ward, Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Brandon Drury, Mason Albright, Jake Madden, Logan O’Hoppe, Gio Urshela
