In a strategic move aimed at strengthening their roster for a potential playoff run, the Los Angeles Angels have made a significant trade with the Colorado Rockies.
The Angels acquired veteran infielder C.J. Cron and versatile outfielder Randal Grichuk, along with cash considerations, in exchange for promising young pitchers Mason Albright and Jake Madden.
Cron, 33, brings an impressive track record to the Angels lineup. In 56 games with the Rockies this season, he has been batting .260, with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs.
Although sidelined earlier in the summer due to back spasms, Cron has shown himself as one of the Rockies most reliable hitters, tallying 57 home runs and 194 RBIs across the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Grichuk, 31, is returning to the team where his professional career began, having been an original draft pick of the Angels in 2009. In 64 games this season, Grichuk has been hitting an impressive .308, adding eight home runs and 27 RBIs to his name.
The #Angels are going for it. The latest on the Halos' latest trade, a four-player trade with the #Rockies: https://t.co/wNmIeITblY pic.twitter.com/9AH0afbDpp
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) July 31, 2023
With superstar Shohei Ohtani excelling at designated hitter, C.J. Cron is expected to bolster the Angels infield at first base, providing a much-needed offensive boost.
Grichuk, on the other hand, will bring his versatility to the outfield, capable of playing all three positions. So far this season, he has featured in 26 games in left field, 20 in center, and 13 in right.
The trade comes at a crucial time for the Angels, who recently lost outfielder Taylor Ward to injury after being hit by a pitch during Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays. As a result of the trade, Ward has been moved to the 60-day injured list.
The acquisition of Cron and Grichuk follows the Angels recent moves to enhance their pitching rotation. The team recently acquired starter Lucas Giolito and reliever Reynaldo Lopez from the Chicago White Sox.
By making these strategic moves, the Angels are aiming to secure a playoff spot for the first time in a decade. As of now, they sit four games behind the wild card and five games behind the division leader Texas in the highly competitive American League West.
In exchange for Cron and Grichuk, the Angels parted ways with two promising young pitchers from their minor league system. Mason Albright, 20, has shown significant potential, going 9-4 with a 3.62 ERA in 15 games for Low-A Inland Empire this season.
On the other hand, Jake Madden, 21, made his professional debut this year and has garnered attention as the eighth-ranked prospect in the Angels system, according to MLB.com.
The trade signifies the Angels commitment to fortifying their lineup and pitching staff as they seek to make a legitimate postseason run.
Do you agree with the Angels “all-in” approach this season? Will it help convince Ohtani to stay with the organization?
Do the Angels have a realistic chance to win the World Series?