Freed from Anthony Rendon’s massive contract, the Halos must pivot their strategy. From targeting local pitching talent to veteran infielders, new leadership faces a critical roster overhaul.
The Los Angeles Angels have won five of their last seven, but that doesn’t change the fact that their focus is on the 2027 season. Though they have crawled out of last place in the American League West, the Halos remain one of the worst teams in baseball, and a sell-off at the trade deadline was the white flag on yet another poor season of baseball in Anaheim.
So, how can that pattern be broken in 2027?
The Angels should be heading into this year’s free agency with a different approach, considering the removal of Perry Minasian as general manager. During Minasian’s time as GM, he failed to make many meaningful offseason signings, often taking flyers on past-prime players looking for another chance. That strategy was a miss, and now John Mozeliak is the interim GM.
Mozeliak’s role beyond the season remains unclear, although his deadline actions earned the trust of many Angels fans. Whether or not it’s Mozeliak or somebody new making the calls, this year’s free agency will be vital to this upcoming Angels era.
Luckily, the Halos don’t have any huge players hitting free agency this winter, with Yoan Moncada, Travis D’Arnaud, and Robert Stephenson being the biggest names to hit the market. Perhaps the biggest piece of the winter for the Halos, however, is the completion of Anthony Rendon’s $245 million contract.
Rendon’s $38 million salary in 2026 was restructured earlier this year, and the Angels will make smaller payments over the course of several years. Still, having Rendon’s name (mostly) off the books will be a weight off the Halos’ shoulders, allowing them to be bigger players this winter.
After dealing away key pitchers such as Jose Soriano and Ryan Zeferjhan, the Angels will need to replenish their pitching staff for 2027. Some free agent starters that could be in play are Brady Singer, Tyler Mahle, and Shane Bieber. Both Mahle and Bieber are Orange County natives and would be more cost-efficient for the Angels to bring in, as they aren’t at the very top of the list of upcoming free agent starters.
For relievers, the Angels could pick up the $2.5 million option for Stephenson in a risky but high-reward move. Other free agent options could include players on a similar level to Gregory Soto and Bryan Abreu.
On the field, the Angels could use some help in the outfield, behind the plate, and at third base if they don’t quite feel Denzer Guzman is ready for the everyday role.
Ian Happ, Lane Thomas, or even a Taylor Ward reunion could be realistic options to bolster the Halos' outfield depth in 2027. For catchers, Kyle Higashioka and Austin Hedges could prove to be nice veterans for deadline acquisition Moises Ballesteros. There aren't as many options at third, but moving infielders like J.P. Crawford or Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the hot corner would boost the Angels’ floor in 2027.
Of course, it’s too early to really get an idea of how the Angels will approach the offseason, or even who will be in charge. Still, with the way they moved at the deadline, this free agency should be different from years past. Will they finally take that next step?
