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3 Players Angels Need to Sign Once Freeze is Lifted

By Max Smith

Clay Buchholz could be a perfect option for the Angels pitching rotation.
Clay Buchholz could be a perfect option for the Angels pitching rotation. / Will Newton/Getty Images

The Angels are a team with a lot of question marks heading into an abbreviated 2020 season. Despite having an undeniably talented lineup, their pitching could let them down this summer once again. If the Angels are able to get any sort of production out of their pitching staff this season, they have the bats to outscore teams. On Friday, MLB's transaction freeze will be lifted, and the Angels will have a chance to deepen their pitching rotation. These are the three best options available.

3. Aaron Sanchez

While he's definitely a project, Aaron Sanchez is young enough to right the ship.
While he's definitely a project, Aaron Sanchez is young enough to right the ship. / Bob Levey/Getty Images

At only 27 years old, it's hard to think that Aaron Sanchez has no upside. After a stellar 2016 season with the Blue Jays where he won 15 games with a 3.00 ERA, many thought Sanchez was on the fast track to becoming one of the league's best pitchers. However, he simply hasn't been able to find that same success since. He'll be a project, but for a team like the Angels, it would be a nice low-risk high-reward signing.

2. Andrew Cashner

Andrew Cashner could simply need a change of scenery.
Andrew Cashner could simply need a change of scenery. / Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Veteran pitcher Andrew Cashner was on his way to a career year with the Orioles before getting traded to the Red Sox in July. In 17 games with Baltimore last season, Cashner won nine and posted a 3.83 ERA. His time in Boston didn't work out and he remains a free agent. At worst, Cashner would be able to eat up innings for the Angels, which is always valuable. But at best, with a change of scenery, he could be one of the Angels best pitchers.

1. Clay Buchholz

Clay Buchholz had a great 2018 season with the Diamondbacks.
Clay Buchholz had a great 2018 season with the Diamondbacks. / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

It's hard to see why Clay Buchholz is still a free agent. Despite a rough 2019, he is only one year removed from a 2018 season where he finished 7-2 with a 2.04 ERA with the Diamondbacks. The two-time All Star has the experience the Angels need in the rotation and would be a great option when games start up later in July. It's signings like these that could turn the Angels into contenders this season.