Could the Dodgers Poach Any of the Cast Off Angels Players From Waivers?
When the news dropped on Tuesday afternoon that the Los Angeles Angels would be placing most of the players that they had acquired at the trade deadline on waivers, it sent shockwaves throughout Major League Baseball. It was the kind of news that made everyone question if they read the report correctly.
But it’s the reality, and teams can start to place claims on the players Thursday morning. Among the guys that the Angels will be releasing are multiple starters across all positions. Starting pitcher Lucas Giolito headlines the group, along with relief pitchers Matt Moore, Dominic Leone and Reynaldo Lopez. Hunter Renfroe and Randal Grichuk are also part of the members heading to waivers.
Teams with the worst record will have first dibs on the players as it goes in reverse order toward the top squads. This decision by the Angels could have some real implications for the upcoming postseason race.
So, the question needs to be asked whether or not the Dodgers could poach any of the waived players.
It’s unlikely that LA will be in a position to do so considering their success this season. They are toward the bottom of the waiver order, so unless no other team wants these guys, LA will likely miss out.
But in the rare chance that they do get the opportunity, there are a few guys who could make sense for the Dodgers.
It wouldn’t make sense for LA to claim any of the bats that the Angels got rid of. Both Renfroe and Grichuk have struggled this season at the plate, and neither gives them a better chance than what LA already has on the roster.
But the pitchers could provide LA with an opportunity to upgrade their staff. It would be a shock if Giolito made his way past teams and into the Dodgers hands. But if they could get him, they may take a chance with the starter.
LA had major interest in him prior to the trade deadline and lost out in the bidding war to the Angels for his services. Maybe they believe they can help him turn things around, and he would give them another starter to use down the stretch of the season.
Both Moore and Lopez would be on the wish list of most fans. They could easily help the Dodgers shore up their bullpen prior to the start of the postseason.
On the year Moore has been solid, posting a 4-1 record with an ERA of 2.66. He would provide them with a nice left-handed reliever out of the pen. The veteran will likely be taken before the Dodgers were to get the chance to claim him, however.
Lopez was acquired by the Angels in the same Giolito trade. He has pitched well for the Angels since the trade and could give LA an extra hard-throwing righty to use. In 12 games with the Halos, he has posted an ERA of 2.77. Like Moore, he will likely be gone by the team when the Dodgers spot comes up.
While it’s unlikely that the Dodgers are able to claim any of the impactful players from the Angels, weirder things have happened before. If the team can upgrade the roster, they will, and it could go a long way come October.
