The Los Angeles Angels seemingly had a deal in place to acquire star outfielder Joc Pederson and starting pitcher Ross Stripling from the cross-town rival Los Angeles Dodgers last week.
This trade ultimately fell through due to the delay of the three-team deal that sent Mookie Betts and David Price from the Boston Red Sox to the Dodgers.
Reports earlier on Monday indicated that Angels owner Arte Moreno is the one who pulled the plug on the trade. That’s somewhat surprising given that general manager Billy Eppler runs the ship.
Eppler himself just released a statement that indicates the trade was never finalized, seemingly backing up his owner in the process.
Way to take one for the team, Mr. Eppler. Moreno reportedly grew impatient during the weekend prior to the Betts trade finally going through Sunday afternoon.
Eppler’s stance that a trade was never fully finalized is a way of saving face. That’s for sure.