The Los Angeles Angels are one of the more intriguing teams in the league right now. They’re seemingly ready to rebuild, but the front office continues to try to contend by buying in free agency.
This offseason looks to be more of the same. The Angels have reportedly been in the market for a few different sluggers in free agency. There’s a chance they could swing a trade or two as well.
FanSided’s Zachary Rotman predicted the Angels would sign international free agent Kazuma Okamoto to a huge deal this winter. Jim Bowden of The Athletic projected Okamoto would sign for $90 million this offseason.
“If there are two things the Los Angeles Angels need, it’s more contact hitting and a respectable third baseman. Okamoto checks both of those boxes,” Rotman wrote. “The Angels have had success with Japanese free agents in the past (that Shohei Ohtani guy was pretty good), and Okamoto shouldn’t break the bank. Los Angeles has been linked to him pretty heavily, and would be wise to sign him.”
Okamoto would be the perfect addition for the Angels. He would replace Anthony Rendon at third base while giving the team a good hitter to place at the top of the lineup alongside Mike Trout. Okamoto’s ability to get on base should translate well to MLB.
This level of spending shouldn’t be too much for the Angels either. There’s a chance Okamoto could be signed for around $20 million a year, which should fit them perfectly.
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