The Angels eye a familiar face to solidify their rotation. Could a former All-Star's comeback season make him Anaheim's key pitching acquisition?
No team in the MLB has been more active in the pitching department this offseason than the Los Angeles Angels. Their first move of the season was a trade that landed them right-handed flamethrower Grayson Rodriguez from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward. Since then, general manager Perry Minasian hasn’t taken his foot off the pedal, making several additions to the Angels’ staff.
The Halos have added relievers Drew Pomeranz, Kirby Yates, and Jordan Romero to fill out their bullpen depth. In addition to Rodriguez, Minasian brought in Alek Manoah to provide some rotational depth. For a team that finished with the third-highest ERA allowed in 2025, the influx of arm talent brought to Anaheim is a clear indication that the club does not intend to be batted around all of 2026.
Despite the moves, there’s still work to do for the Angels. They still lack a fifth starter in their rotation that could be counted on every five days. As of now, the final rotational spot would be filled by somebody like 22-year-old Caden Dana. It’s always fun as a fan to see a young guy get his chance at the big league level, but he hasn’t done enough to claim a spot in the 2026 rotation. His 6.40 ERA last season isn’t enough to deter Minasian from going out and adding another starter.
With their need for one more starter, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report projects the Angels to sign right-hander Lucas Giolito.
“The Angels made a splash with the three-year, $63.7 million deal they gave Yusei Kikuchi last offseason, and they look like a prime candidate for a similar mid-level signing of someone like Lucas Giolito or Zac Gallen,” Reuter wrote in a recent article.
It wouldn’t be Giolito’s first stint with the Halos, as he made six starts for the club in 2023 after being traded from the Chicago White Sox. He struggled in Anaheim, however, posting a 6.89 ERA in 32 ⅔ innings. The 31-year-old enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox, making him an intriguing name once again this offseason.
It would be a risk to give Giolito a multi-year deal with a high salary after a one-season bounce-back year, but the Angels have proven their openness to taking reclamation projects in the past. At just 31 years old, the Halos may be willing to take the risk on the righty who held opponents to a 3.41 ERA in 2025. It’s up to Minasian and owner Arte Moreno if they are willing to cough up the $20-something million likely needed to land the former All-Star.