The Los Angeles Angels have a lot of decisions to be made going forward as we approach the offseason.
After finishing 72-90, the Angels need to make a lot of moves to improve this roster that doesn’t have much going for it.
The pitching staff as a whole was abysmal, and all signs point to that being the case again in 2026 if the team doesn’t go out and acquire some quality pitching. The offense wasn’t good either and Los Angeles needs to make several upgrades, but there are pieces that can be built around. The biggest priority is pitching.
The Angels don’t have an ace and they don’t have depth. One free agent pitcher has the potential of being an ace and the floor of a No. 4 or 5 starter, making him a perfect target in free agency.
Former Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez has proven he can handle bulk innings effectively and would be a nice addition for the Angels.
“Suarez is fascinating: His fastball velocity has slipped from 93.4 mph to 92.0 to 91.2 over the past three seasons, but his ERA has gone from 4.18 to 3.46 to 3.20 and his WAR has gone from 2.4 to 3.4 to 4.0,” ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel wrote last Thursday. “Velocity obviously isn't everything, but (potentially) betting nine figures and five years on Suarez's future means teams would like to see key metrics either be steady or improving, not regressing.”
While his fastball sits in the low-90s, it shouldn’t be too much of a concern. As his velocity has gone down, his individual numbers have gotten better.
“Suarez's command is measurably plus and he has two distinct mixes against righties and lefties, both headlined by his sinker, his one pitch that has clearly above-average movement traits on its own; the rest of his arsenal works due to the mix, locations and deception. A team that signs him would be betting that when his velo tails off more toward the end of the deal, his feel will still make him a solid fourth starter given these traits.”
McDaniel projects Suarez will earn a four-year, $92 million contract. The Angels can surely afford to take the risk on a lefty starter who has been brilliant in recent years. As long as his velocity stays in the low-90s and his control doesn’t fade, this would be a beneficial contract for both parties.