The Los Angeles Angels are navigating an unknown territory after the departure of their superstar, Shohei Ohtani. According to The Athletic, the team is exploring a trade for a frontline starter but is also focusing on the ‘second tier’ of free agent starting pitchers. While Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery may be the ‘top tier’ right now in the free agency market, the next echelon comprises three pitchers who are anticipated to secure multi-year contracts, “being a whole lot cheaper”.

The Halos are looking to move forward following the loss of Ohtani to the Dodgers, and signing Snell would be a promising initial move for the club. On the same lines, Ken recently reported that the Angels have “checked in” on Snell. Although the Halos reportedly “have had recent dialogue” with Snell, having less expensive options ready is always a plus for any team. 

While Blake Snell remains the focus, others are still available

The Angels are dealing with an unprecedented situation right now. Though the franchise may have lost only one player, Shohei Ohtani, in reality it has opened up two gaps. Not only will the Halos miss his hitting, but pitching as well. That’s why they are going so heavily after Blake Snell. But in case the Halos fail in that pursuit, they still have two options – Shota Imanaga and Marcus Stroman, per FanSided.

Shota Imanaga’s free agency is getting hotter by the day. Though at 30 he isn’t as exciting as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, his experience and unreal variety of pitches make him an excellent addition to any squad. At the same time, unlike Snell, there’s little chance of Imanaga’s contract touching nine figures. A quality player at this low price is perhaps what the Angels need right now.

Marcus Stroman falls in the same window. The 32-year-old is a tremendously experienced and reliable pitcher. With a career ERA of 3.65, he can stabilize the Angels’ rotation. Though last season, signs of a slow decline were visible, at an estimated cost of $40-50 million, Stroman is the kind of low-risk deal that can prove to be an intelligent business down the road.

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Interestingly, Michael Lorenzen’s reunion with the Angels is also possible, especially after the 2022 season saw him regain his form in the Halos jersey. But until these players come into the picture, Snell remains a prime target.

Los Angeles Angels and the challenging quest for the SnellZilla

Reports have confirmed that Blake Snell is the Angels’ “top priority”. With a rotation that involves Reid Detmers and Griffin Canning, Snell would slot right in as the first-choice starter.

But the lack of quality in the Angels’ rotation is troubling, especially since their competitor has a well-functioning lineup. The San Francisco Giants have an edge in the Snell race. Unlike the Angels, the Giants will pair up Snell with Logan Webb, the Cy Young finalist.

Could Snell prefer quality support over being a one-man show? It’s a big question that the free agent is expected to answer soon. In the meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if the Halos go after other less-expensive alternatives available in the market.

Read more: With Angels and Giants Leading Blake Snell Sweepstakes, Are Cubs Out of the Race Already?