Eugenio Suarez, Michael Kopech, and Harrison Bader could revitalize the struggling Angels' roster. Discover how these three free agents can fuel a winning record.
The Los Angeles Angels have several areas to address this offseason if they want to be a competitive team, like general manager Perry Minasian consistently tells the media. With one year left on his contract, it’s now or never for Minasian, who, since joining the Halos ahead of 2021, has zero seasons of at least 80 wins under his belt.
Perhaps with his contract coming to an end and him suddenly working for his job, Minasian will pull out every trick in the book this offseason in the hopes of magically bringing the Angels out of the bottom of the league. If he intends to formulate a competent roster, there are plenty of free agent options still on the market that would get the Angels closer to that goal. With less money on the payroll for 2026 than expected, the Halos should have plenty of money to work with.
Assuming the Angels go out and make use of their extra financial flexibility to fill in some holes on the roster, here are three free agents that Minasian and the Angels should prioritize:
Eugenio Suarez, 3B
With Anthony Rendon officially not returning to the club in 2026, the Angels can finally commit to finding a long-term third baseman. Suarez is coming off his second All-Star season in his career, hitting 49 home runs and bringing in 118 RBIs in 2025. He cooled off at the end of the season for the Seattle Mariners, but his addition to the Angels’ lineup is sure to be an upgrade from what they’ve had over the past few seasons.
Michael Kopech, RHP
Kopech has made 38 appearances out of the bullpen for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the last season and a half. In that time, he’s held opponents to a 1.54 ERA and 1.086 WHIP. The concern with Kopech is his injury-riddled 2025, where he played just 14 games due to shoulder issues and a meniscus tear. Though the Angels have already signed several arms to add to their pitching staff, one more reclamation project with high upside wouldn’t hurt – and it wouldn’t cost much either.
Harrison Bader, CF
The Angels need some extra outfield help after dealing away Taylor Ward, and with Mike Trout expected to be more of a designated hitter from here on out. With Jo Adell’s subpar defensive capabilities, landing a center fielder would be huge for the Halos. Bader had his best offensive season yet in 2025, finishing with a .796 OPS while still providing his elite defense in center. His hypothetical addition to the Angels' lineup and in the outfield solves multiple questions for the club.