At 24-38 entering MLB games today, the Los Angeles Angels are going nowhere fast. The only real bright spot has been Tyler Anderson.
The veteran starter has pitched to a 5-5 record with a 2.37 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 12 starts. The former All-Star has been among the best pitchers in the American League.
With Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout both sidelined to injury, it’s another lost season in Southern California. That could lead to general manager Perry Minasian trading away assets, including Anderson.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported on Friday that there is a “good chance” Anderson will be dealt ahead of the MLB trade deadline this summer.
It makes perfect sense. Anderson, 34, is playing under a friendly three-year, $39 million contract. He’s under team control through next season. These two factors coupled with the lefty’s performance in 2024 will make for a strong market.
Related: Latest Los Angeles Angels news and rumors
Ideal Tyler Anderson trade scenarios from the Los Angeles Angels
Here, we look at three ideal destintions for the veteran starter ahead of the MLB trade deadline.
- San Diego Padres: We have already heard the Padres be bandied about when it comes to another underrated starter on the trade market. General manager A.J. Preller has to be active in this regard if the Padres want to fight for a postseason spot down the stretch. Joe Musgrave and Yu Darvish are on the injured list. Randy Vásquez (5.40 ERA, 1.47 WHIP) has been a liability since coming over in the Juan Soto trade. A deal of this ilk makes too much sense for the Friars.
- Kansas City Royals: At a surprising 37-26 this season, Kansas City will likely find itself as buyers ahead of the MLB trade deadline. It has several core young pieces in the mix. Though, there is certainly a need in the rotation. That’s especially true with veteran Michael Wacha currently on the injured list. Adding Anderson to the mix to go with Seth Lugo (2.13 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) and Brady Singer (2.76, 1.21) would round out the rotation well. His $13 million average salary is also doable for the small-market team.
Tyler Anderson career stats: 55-54 record, 4.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP
- Chicago Cubs: After a solid start to the season, Chicago (31-32) has fallen on hard times. The team is 12-20 in its past 32 games. Outside of Shota Imanaga and Javier Assad, the starting rotation is one of the primary reasons for these struggles. Kyle Kendricks (9.07 ERA, 1.84 WHIP) has been a disaster class. Jordan Wicks is currently on the injured list. If Chicago is going to make a run at the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central moving forward, it needs to upgrade the rotation.