Angels' GM Believes Cole Percival Leaving Dodgers Was Right Choice

There is a common stigma that has been going around for the past couple of players that many players would prefer to leave the Angels and play for the city-rival Dodgers. Reasons include a much longer history of winning, bigger market, and more.

Look no further than the groups who believe that everyday is one day closer to Shohei Ohtani either getting traded to or signing with the Dodgers in free agency. However, the Angels only control what they can control and focus on maintaining and improving their roster.

And their front office recently jumped on an opportunity that came before them due to one of the Dodgers' farm system pitchers struggling. Cole Percival, the son of World Series champion Troy Percival, was the man in question and the Angels opted to bring him aboard.

Somewhat Bold Prediction Alert!
Cole Percival is going to hit 100! I use the term somewhat, because he hit 99 last year. He is long, has great bloodlines, he has 5 pitches and he throws right at 100 MPH. What's not to like about what he has to offer? Watch out for him! #dodgers pic.twitter.com/c2oprdPPl5
— Dodgers Daily (@dodger_daily) April 16, 2023

The young Percival was having a down year with the Dodgers prior to asking for a release. A 7.71 ERA in just a little over four innings had him doubting his ability to a certain degree.

However, Angels" GM Perry Minasian did not let these numbers blind him from seeing the 24-year-old's full potential and believes he'll thrive in Anaheim.

“It’s a talented arm that has had success in the past,” general manager Perry Minasian said. “Sometimes a change of scenery can be good. We felt like he was deserving of an opportunity. If his last name was Smith, we’d still feel the same way. But it’s not just because his last name is Percival. He has a talented arm and can do a lot of things. But there are bloodlines we like in players, and it doesn’t hurt any.”

(Via MLB.com)

It's also great to see Minasian confirm that Percival not getting this chance solely because of who his father is. We can't wait to see him thrive and wish him the best of luck in his early journey with us.