Jeff Joiner

Joined: Jan 2, 2026

I'm a lifelong Angels fan who majored in journalism at CSU, Bakersfield and has previously covered the team at Halos Heaven and Crashing the Pearly Gates. Life gets no better than a day at the ballpark with family and friends.

Oct 6, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Feb 16, 2026; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays infielder Arjun Nimmala (18) works out during spring training practice at Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Evan Phillips (59) throws during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sep 9, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) runs off the field during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Sep 11, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Fermin (65) pitches in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

In this installment of our Angels Pitch Arsenal Breakdown, we use Statcast data to examine Los Angeles Angels reliever José Fermín’s best and worst pitches.

May 24, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus (65) during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Houston hired Brad Ausmus and Randy Flores, while the A's added Cam Castro. Here is what those AL West moves mean for the Angels' front office search.

Sep 14, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Reid Detmers (48) throws in the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A trade to the reportedly fell apart at the 2026 deadline. Here is why revisiting a deal for Caden Sorrel, Kane Kepley, and Ethan Conrad still makes sense for the Los Angeles Angels.

Sep 19, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Moises Ballesteros (13) prepares to tag out Minnesota Twins shortstop Ben Ross (1) at home plate during the 10th inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Angels are officially entering a critical offseason in the midst of both an ownership change and a roster rebuild. The best way to assess the te

Mar 16, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Hanshin Tigers third baseman Teruaki Sato (8) hits a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

With Stan Kroenke's Angels purchase delayed, can interim GM John Mozeliak secure the payroll approval needed for posted NPB talent, or will the front office freeze cost the Halos this winter?

Moisés Ballesteros represents the future of the Los Angeles Angels' lineup. However, to maximize his growth behind the plate, the front office must prioritize an elite defensive veteran partner this offseason.

Jul 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Matt Vierling (8) hits a triple in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The LA Angels desperately need help at second and third base. Jeff Joiner breaks down why Matt Vierling ($3.7M) and Nolan Gorman ($3.4M) are interesting non-tender targets to fix the roster.

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang leaps into the crowd to celebrate with fans during a game between the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Brewers defeating the Tampa Bay Rays to win the 2026 World Series Oct. 28.
Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazette

The Los Angeles Angels need a visionary to lead baseball operations under new ownership. Here is why reigning World Series champion Matt Kleine is the perfect fit.

Sep 3, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) reacts to hitting a home run as he rounds the bases against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

With Mike Trout moving corners, should the LA Angels sign free-agent outfielder Luis Robert Jr. for center field in 2027? Jeff Joiner explains why a Wade Meckler platoon is the better option.

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke in attendance against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The MLB owners' vote on Stan Kroenke's $4 billion purchase isn't on the November docket. Discover how this timeline confusion freezes the front office search and leaves interim GM John Mozeliak pulling the strings.

Sep 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Luis Arraez (4) hits an RBI single against the Atlanta Braves in the eleventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Discover why three-time batting champion Luis Arraez is the ideal free-agent target for the Los Angeles Angels to fix their strikeout problem and secure an elite infield.

Oct 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Alex Vesia (51) throws against the Milwaukee Brewers game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Building on Jeff Joiner’s recent Angels on SI analysis, see how the Halos can use a fraction of their $50 million payroll room to lock down Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, and JoJo Romero.

Jeff Joiner

Joined: Jan 2, 2026

Why a Free Agent Reunion With Raisel Iglesias Makes Total Sense for the Rebuilding Angels

Why Starting Arjun Nimmala in Triple-A Proves the Angels Are Finally Serious About Building a Winner

Evan Phillips’ $35M Braves Deal Proves Angels’ Bullpen Budget Needs a Massive Reset

Why the Angels Should Wait for the Red Sox to Non-Tender Jarren Duran Before Signing Him

Angels Pitch Arsenal Breakdown: José Fermín’s Best and Worst Pitches

What the Astros’ Hires of Randy Flores and Brad Ausmus Mean for the Angels' Front Office Search

Why Trading Reid Detmers to the Cubs Still Makes Total Sense for the Angels

Angels Positional Inventory: Why Catching is Both a 2027 Priority and the Future of the Franchise

LA Angels Rumors: Will Stan Kroenke Sale Delay Cost Team on Posted NPB Stars?

Halos Notebook: Why Solving the Backup Catcher Position is the Angels’ Most Under Rated Winter Task

LA Angels Rumors: 2 Multi-Position Non-Tender Bargains to Solve The Angels Roster Puzzle

Why Matt Kleine Is the Perfect Blueprint to Lead the Angels' New Era

LA Angels Rumors: Why Signing Luis Robert Jr. for Center Field is a Trap the Halos Must Avoid

Why the Latest MLB Ownership Vote Update Leaves the Angels in Limbo

Why Signing Luis Arraez Is the Perfect Offseason Move for the Los Angeles Angels

How the Angels Can Completely Rebuild Their Bullpen for $20 Million