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On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Angels plugged a hole in the shortstop, acquiring Jose Iglesias from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for two young minor league pitchers.
Iglesias, who will be a free agent after the 2021 season, will replace four-time Gold Glove Award winner Andrelton Simmons and allow the esteemed David Fletcher to solidify as an everyday second baseman.
Iglesias has contributed 13 defensive points saved over the past six years, the ninth most among shortstops (but only about 10% of Simmons’ major league seed during that time). Iglesias, 30, only hit .273 / .313 / .375 from 2015 to 2019, but broke with a .373 / .400 / .556 slash line in 150 flat appearances during the season 2020 shortened. His career withdrawal rate of 12.1% is almost half the major-league average of last year.
“I think he’s really taken off over the last few years,” said new Angels general manager Perry Minasian, who sent right-hangers Garrett Stallings and Jean Pinto to the Orioles in exchange for Iglesias. “Outstanding defender, puts the ball in play, and I think contact is very important in today’s game, so it brings something to the roster. And to me, and I’ve talked about it a lot – makeup, which he brings to the dinner table every day. This guy loves to play. “
The Angels also failed to offer five pitchers before the MLB deadline, including three high-leverage relievers from the 2020 reliever box – Justin Anderson, Keynan Middleton and former closest Hansel Robles.
The Angels still need help on catcher and potentially at first base, and they could benefit from the addition of a left-handed fielder. But their greatest need is the pitch. The Angels have posted a 4.49 ERA over the past five years, which ranks 20th in the majors. Addressing shortstops relatively early, without spending a lot of resources on them, gives them more flexibility in the pitching market.
“We are looking at all areas,” Minasian said. “Obviously guns are important. We’re looking to improve in the rotation; we are looking to improve in the survey pen. I think we’re open to anything.”
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