The Los Angeles Angels have been busy this offseason-not with splashy superstar signings, but with a steady stream of intriguing, high-upside additions. It’s a strategy built on calculated risk: bring in players who’ve flashed potential but haven’t quite put it all together yet, and hope a few of them catch fire. If even one hits, it could be a game-changer for a team looking to turn the corner.
Now, there’s a new trade proposal making the rounds that fits right into that mold. ESPN’s David Schoenfield floated an idea that would see the Angels and Astros swap outfielders-Jake Meyers heading to Anaheim, with Josh Lowe going the other way to Houston. No prospects, no extra pieces-just a straight-up, one-for-one deal.
At first glance, it’s a rare kind of trade: two major league outfielders, each with upside, each still under team control, being exchanged to better suit the needs of their new clubs.
Let’s start with the Angels’ side of the equation. They’ve got Mike Trout-still the face of the franchise when healthy-and Jo Adell, who’s shown flashes but is still trying to put it all together.
But what they don’t have is a clear-cut, dependable center fielder. That’s where Jake Meyers comes in.
Meyers quietly hit .292 for Houston in 2025 and brings strong defensive chops to center field. He’s not a household name, but he’s the kind of steady, reliable presence up the middle that the Angels could use. He’s under club control for two more seasons, which gives the Angels some short-term stability as they continue to retool.
On the flip side, Josh Lowe-who the Angels just acquired earlier this offseason-offers a different kind of value. He’s a left-handed hitter with pop and athleticism, and he comes with an extra year of club control compared to Meyers.
While he can handle center in a pinch, he’s more of a corner outfielder, and his bat is the real draw. For the Astros, who have been looking to add more left-handed balance to their lineup, Lowe could be a sneaky-good fit.
So what makes this trade compelling? It’s all about fit.
Meyers gives the Angels a true center fielder with a solid bat, while Lowe offers the Astros a controllable, lefty-hitting outfielder with untapped offensive upside. Neither team is giving up a cornerstone piece, but both could end up better aligned for the season ahead.
And that’s the kind of move that can quietly make a difference over 162 games. The Angels aren’t done shaping their roster, and a deal like this-low risk, potentially high reward-would be right in line with the kind of offseason they’ve been putting together.