Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Quietly, the Los Angeles Angels have put together an impressive offseason as the organization looks to break a long playoff drought in 2026. Los Angeles entered the winter with plans for real change, and so far, the front office has made good on its promise.

*PREDICTION*

The last decade has been one of disappointment and underperformance for the Angels, but the team is looking ahead, hoping for better results. Los Angeles brought in former MLB catcher Kurt Suzuki to take over as the manager, and while some believed this to be a questionable move, this could be what the team needs.

This organization has been in need of a fresh start for some time now, and the front office has made some moves around the edges of the roster to help. So far, Los Angeles has brought in Jorge Soler, Yusei Kikuchi, and Travis d’Arnaud this winter, adding more veterans to the locker room.

Mixing them with some of the younger guys on the team, such as Logan O’Hoppe, Nolan Schanuel, and Zach Net,o could be a recipe for success for this organization. And of course, the Angels still have star Mike Trout on the roster, providing them with power and a feared bat in the lineup.

But the one area of concern still is within the starting rotation. Los Angeles did take a flier on veteran right-hander Alek Manoah, but this team needs more talent to truly compete.

Consistent pitching has been a thorn in the side of the Angels for years, and the team may want to sign at least one more arm before the new year gets going.

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Chris Bassitt Signs With Los Angeles Angels

With the need in the pitching staff from Los Angeles, the front office could look to go after veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt. Bassitt has spent the last few seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, proving his worth after signing a three-year, $63 million contract with the team.

This past season, Bassitt became one of the more crucial pieces to the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, especially once the playoffs started. Toward the end of the year, Bassitt moved into a bullpen role for Toronto following an injury that kept him off the mound late into the season.

In 8.2 innings of work during the playoffs, Bassitt delivered, striking out 10 batters and only allowing one run during this stretch. His performance helped carry Toronto to the World Series for the first time in over 30 years, and this should help his free agency.

The versatility shown by the veteran right-hander has generated a lot of interest around the league, even if he hasn’t been signed yet. Teams love to have pitchers who can both be a starter, while also having the ability and mental wherewithal to pitch out of the bullpen.

The right-hander became very important to the Blue Jays this season, especially once the postseason came around. Bassitt transitioned over to a bullpen role for the Blue Jays during the playoffs, mainly because of an injury that kept him out of the lineup late in the season.

In addition, Bassitt has been extremely durable over the last few years, making at least 30 starts every season. Even with his injury this eyar, the veteran still made 31 starts for Toronto.

Chris Bassitt 2025 Stats

In 32 appearances (31 starts), Bassitt posted an ERA of 3.96, a WHIP of 1.32, a record of 11-9, a WAR of 2.1, while striking out 166 batters over 170.1 innings of work.

Why Angels Should Sign Chris Bassitt

With the Angels’ starting rotation being the biggest weakness on the team, Bassitt could come in to provide them with a reliable, durable depth piece. Due to his age, Bassitt isn’t likely to take on a frontline starter role, but the Angels could use him in different ways as the season goes on.

Los Angeles could use a veteran like this for the starting rotation, especially the leadership aspect in the clubhouse, and Bassitt has proved himself to earn another nice contract. The Angels have shown a willingness to spend in recent offseasons, and Bassitt could be the cherry on top of a strong winter.