In the wake of another disappointing season, a bold path forward for the Los Angeles Angels has been proposed: a high-stakes trade to acquire two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom from the division-rival Texas Rangers.
The suggestion, put forth in a recent Bleacher Report analysis by Kerry Miller, identifies the acquisition of a true ace as the franchise’s most critical offseason priority. With superstar Mike Trout’s career advancing and the team’s long-term financial commitments beginning to expire, the report argues the Angels must act aggressively to capitalize on their current competitive window.
A Decade of Wasted Potential
For over a decade, the Angels’ success has disproportionately rested on the shoulders of Mike Trout, a generational talent who has seen only one postseason appearance in his storied career—his 2014 rookie year. The 2023 season followed a familiar pattern; the team showed flashes of contention, even making minor acquisitions at the trade deadline, but ultimately collapsed, finishing with 90 losses.
The primary culprit was a pitching staff that was among the worst in the American League, leading the league in runs allowed. This persistent weakness has underscored the need for a transformative arm to lead the rotation.
The Proposed Solution: A Deal for deGrom
The analysis points to the Texas Rangers’ potential desire to trim payroll as a unique opportunity for the Angels. Jacob deGrom, who signed a five-year, $185 million contract with Texas prior to the 2023 season, could become a surprising trade candidate.
deGrom, 35, remains one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball when healthy. Last season, he posted a 2.98 ERA with 185 strikeouts and a 0.921 WHIP over 172 innings of work, demonstrating that his elite stuff remains intact. His contract, which has two years remaining plus a conditional club option for a third, aligns with the Angels’ timeline, coinciding with the final years of Taylor Ward’s contract and the much-anticipated conclusion of Anthony Rendon’s $245 million deal in 2026.
Significant Hurdles to Overcome
While the baseball logic may be sound, executing such a trade presents significant challenges. The most formidable is deGrom’s no-trade clause. Any deal would require the pitcher’s explicit approval, meaning he would need to waive his right to veto the move.
This could be influenced by the Rangers’ own direction. If Texas signals a intention to retrench or rebuild, deGrom may be more willing to approve a trade to a team like the Angels, who would be positioning themselves as immediate contenders with his addition.
Furthermore, the prospect of facilitating a trade within the same division is another complicating factor the Rangers’ front office would have to carefully consider.
A Last Chance for Trout’s Angels?
If the Angels were to successfully navigate these obstacles, the acquisition would represent a seismic shift for the franchise. Pairing a pitcher of deGrom’s caliber with the perennial excellence of Mike Trout would create a superstar duo capable of altering the American League West landscape.
For a fanbase weary of unfulfilled promise, such a move would signal a definitive and aggressive push to finally build a winner around their iconic center fielder before his prime years conclude. The coming offseason will reveal whether the Angels’ front office is prepared to pursue such a high-risk, high-reward strategy.
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