The Angels' offseason has been a rollercoaster - a few big swings, some solid contact, and a couple of whiffs. But one thing's clear: GM Perry Minasian came out of the gate aggressive, setting the tone with a savvy trade for Grayson Rodriguez.
That move not only gave the Angels a potential frontline starter, it also cleared about $13 million in payroll by sending Taylor Ward to Baltimore. With that financial breathing room, the front office spread the wealth across the roster, adding Alek Manoah to the rotation and bolstering the bullpen with Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz.
Still, with money left to spend and holes yet to fill, there’s a strong case to be made that the Angels left a few opportunities on the table - while wisely sidestepping some potential landmines.
Moves the Angels Should Have Made
1. Signing Kenley Jansen
Let’s start with the one that got away: Kenley Jansen. The veteran closer signed with Detroit, and frankly, that’s a move the Angels should have made. Jansen was quietly one of the more effective relievers last season, and the contract he got from the Tigers wasn’t one that should’ve scared off a team with bullpen needs and money to spend.
Yes, the Angels added Romano and Pomeranz - both intriguing pieces in their own right - but Jansen would have brought a level of stability and late-inning experience that this bullpen still lacks. For a team trying to climb back into relevance, missing out on a proven closer like Jansen is a tough pill to swallow.
2. Signing Cedric Mullins
Center field remains a glaring question mark in Anaheim. So much so that there’s talk of moving Mike Trout - who’s now better suited for a corner - back into center just to fill the gap. That’s less than ideal, and it’s why Cedric Mullins made so much sense.
Sure, Mullins had a down year in 2025, but he’s still a capable defender with speed and veteran savvy. The Rays scooped him up on a one-year, $7.5 million deal - a number that should’ve been well within reach for the Angels.
Even if Mullins wasn’t the long-term answer, he could’ve provided a bridge while prospects like Bryce Teodosio, Nelson Rada, and Kyren Paris continue to develop. Instead, the Angels are left hoping someone from that group is ready sooner than expected - or that Trout can turn back the clock defensively.
Moves the Angels Were Right to Avoid
1. Passing on Dylan Cease
Dylan Cease was one of the biggest names on the pitching market this offseason, and for good reason. He’s got electric stuff and frontline potential.
But the $210 million deal he landed with the Blue Jays? That’s a steep price tag - one that wouldn’t have made sense for the Angels at this stage of their rebuild.
Toronto can justify the overpay because they’re in win-now mode, knocking on the door of a World Series. The Angels aren’t there yet.
For them, targeting the next tier of starters - like Manoah - is the more strategic play. Cease would’ve been a flashy move, but not a practical one.
2. Steering Clear of Adolis García
There’s no denying Adolis García’s talent - the guy can mash, and he’s electric in the field. But the Angels’ outfield picture doesn’t call for another corner bat, especially at $10 million per year. The Phillies made that investment, but Anaheim already has Jo Adell and Mike Trout penciled into the corners.
What the Angels need is a center fielder - not another slugging corner outfielder. Depth behind Adell and Trout might be thin, but spending big on a player who doesn’t fit the roster’s needs would’ve been a misstep. By passing on García, the Angels showed they have a clear sense of positional priorities.
Final Thoughts
This Angels offseason has been about calculated risks and measured spending. The Grayson Rodriguez trade was a bold, forward-thinking move.
The additions of Manoah, Romano, and Pomeranz bring upside without breaking the bank. But there’s still work to be done - particularly in center field and at the back end of the bullpen.
Minasian and the front office have shown they’re willing to be aggressive, but also discerning. That’s a good sign for a franchise trying to build something sustainable.
The key now? Turning those smart decisions into wins on the field.