Could a powerful hitter join the Angels? This prediction suggests a significant free agency move, doubling down on the team's home run strategy.
The Los Angeles Angels have things to figure out as they try and make the postseason.
They hired former catcher Kurt Suzuki as the new manager, although it's a one-year deal. Still, free agency should be an interesting time in Anaheim.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report made "educated guesses" for the top free agents, and one of them involved the Angels landing slugger Eugenio Suarez.
Here's what Rymer wrote on "Why He Should Sign Soon."
"This year marked the second time that Suárez has hit as many as 49 home runs in a season, and they tended to come in bunches. He had seven multi-homer games, including a historic four-homer game on April 26. He also had three months in which he cleared 10 home runs. And yet, it's not as if Suárez's flaws are obscure," Rymer said.
"He's never been much of a defender, and this year was the second time he has failed to reach a .300 OBP in a full season. That largely traces back to his propensity for swinging and missing, as he typically ranks in the bottom 10 percent of all hitters in strikeout percentage," Rymer added.
So, the Angels adding a slugger such as Suarez makes sense. But, on the other hand, giving money to an older player could be a bit of a puzzling move by LA.
"Age is another problem for Suárez, as nobody aged 34 or older has hit 40 homers in a season since Nelson Cruz in 2019. As none of this is going to be lost on prospective suitors, holding out in hopes of a better deal would be unwise," he continued.
While the Angels link might be surprising, here is the reason why it makes sense, per Rymer.
"It was largely because of the home run ball that the Angels were more competitive than expected this season. They might as well double down, and Suárez would fit nicely at the hole at third base that probably won't be filled by Anthony Rendon ever again."
Rymer has the Angels giving him a two-year deal worth $44 million, and it gives Suarez a chance to earn some cash.
Suarez hit .228 with 49 home runs with 118 RBI between his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Mariners, but the Angels adding a home-run hitter would be a splashy move.
Plus, them stealing him from the AL West foe could be another crafty move.