Angels ‘Unlikely’ To Sign Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell: Report
The Los Angeles Angels have yet to make a huge splash in free agency.
It might stay that way.
According to FanSided's Robert Murray on the Baseball Insiders Podcast, the Halos are "unlikely" to sign the top two free agents left on the market: All-Star outfielder and former MVP Cody Bellinger and ace pitcher and reigning Cy Young winner Blake Snell.
“It all depends on how Arte Moreno wakes up that day. He’s as unpredictable as they come. But as of right now, a big move is unlikely. I think they continue to still add to that roster for sure. I just don’t expect it to be a big move. Maybe like a J.D. Martinez type is possible. Maybe. I don’t know. But like a Blake Snell or Cody Bellinger I think at least at this point is unlikely.”
Snell, 31, is the reigning National League Cy Young award winner. He went 14-9 with a 2.25 ERA last season for the San Diego Padres, who are in cost-cutting mode and not expected to tender a formal offer to Snell.
Bellinger, 28, has been erratic at the plate ever since his 2019 National League MVP campaign but is an outstanding defensive player in the outfield and at first base. He slashed .307/.356/.525 last season for the Chicago Cubs, with 26 homers and 97 RBIs in 130 games.
Murray didn't leave Angel fans without any hope. He did suggest they could go after All-Star designated hitter J.D. Martinez, who is coming off a great 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Martinez, 36, hit 33 home runs and drove in 103 with a .893 OPS in 2023.
Designated hitter isn't exactly on the list of Angels' needs, while starting pitching very much is.
Their projected rotation currently includes Tyler Anderson, Reid Detmers, Griffin Canning, Patrick Sandoval, and Chase Silseth. Based on their respective track records, there isn't a headlining ace among them — a disadvantage in the American League West, to say nothing of the rest of the league.
One rotation-leading pitcher like Snell might not be enough to make the Angels a contender, but it would give them a much deeper starting staff.
As for Bellinger, the Halos already have a deep outfield, but he would immediately be the team's best left-handed hitter. A starting outfield of Bellinger, Mike Trout and Taylor Ward would rank among baseball's best, too.
As it stands, the Angels will enter the 2024 season a few pieces shy of being able to contend for a World Series, but Murray isn't confident owner Arte Moreno will target a superstar or two to solve what ails his roster.
