Free Agent Center Field Targets For Angels After Trout Moves To Left

Among the many holes the Los Angeles Angels’ front office needs to plug this offseason, center field is one of the more intriguing. Superstar Mike Trout held down the premier outfield position last season, but at this point in his career, he is more valuable in a corner outfield spot. Unsurprisingly, Trout will move out of center field in 2027, raising another question for the Angels.

It’s unknown how aggressive the Halos will be this free agency as they finalize the sale of the franchise to Stan Kroenke, but with as much help as they need, you’d expect them to be a common name when it comes to signing players. Now that center field has opened up, there are already rumors about how they will fill it.

The Angels have Bryce Teodosio and No. 6 prospect Nelson Rada as options in center, but Teodosio has failed to provide much offense thus far in his career, and Rada has yet to prove himself on a big-league level. For some assurance, I’d expect the Angels to be hunting a proven MLB center fielder on the market.

Rumors are already swirling about the Angels and Trent Grisham, but is that the best option? Grisham took a major step back in 2026, going from 34 home runs to just 18 and having a below-average OPS. His defense in center field didn’t make up for it either, ranking in just the 10th percentile in Outs Above Average. He remains an option, but of his last three seasons, only 2025 can be considered a truly impactful one.

Other free agent options include Tyrone Taylor, Daulton Varsho, and Ian Happ, to name a few. Taylor was worth 1.7 bWAR in less than 100 games in 2026, recording a 144 OPS+ during his stint with the Chicago Cubs after the trade deadline. He also provides positive value defensively, although he spent more time in the corners last season than in center field. Still, he would be a high-floor option for the Angels’ center field opening that wouldn’t break the bank.

Varsho, much like Grisham, had a down season of his own in his contract year. His 87 OPS+ saw him dealt at the trade deadline, where things only got worse at the plate, posting a .535 OPS in his final 41 games. His range out in center field reduces the sting of his poor offensive season, but the Angels need to benefit offensively as well.

That brings us to Happ, who can provide on both sides of the ball. Happ won four Gold Gloves in a row with the Cubs, and although he’s been playing strictly in left field, a move to center would be an easy change. After all, Happ has serviceable arm strength and even better accuracy, which would ease his transition to center. His left-handed bat has also hit at least 21 home runs in his last four seasons – solving two problems at once for the Angels.

There are plenty of routes the Halos could take this winter, but it all boils down to how aggressive they’re willing to get. If they want to take a swing at one of baseball’s biggest free agent outfielders, Happ is the guy. If they aren't ready to compete at that level, somebody like Taylor or Varsho could be an easier target. No matter which direction they choose, by the end of the offseason, the Angels need ot have a new starting center fielder.