Angels general manager discusses deadline moves and decisions

ANAHEIM — When Angels general manager Perry Minasian spoke with the media following the completion of the 2024 Trade Deadline, an overarching theme was about doing what was best for the organization.

With a handful of players rumored to be possible trade options, the Angels only traded closer Carlos Estévez to the Phillies last Saturday and reliever Luis García to the Red Sox on Tuesday before the Deadline and their 10-7 win against the Rockies.

“Those are tough guys to move because of what they bring and how they affect our younger players,” Minasian said. “At the end of the day, it’s about what’s best for the organization and what we were presented with. We feel good about what we got for those two players.”

The Estévez trade was far and away the most impactful of the two moves, as the Angels netted two top pitching prospects from the Phillies. Samuel Aldegheri (Phillies No. 23 preseason prospect) and George Klassen (No. 28) were both having breakout seasons and about to move up in MLB Pipeline’s midseason prospect rankings. Klassen became the Angels’ No. 3 prospect, and Aldegheri is the No. 8 prospect.

“We’re excited [about those prospects]. To be able to acquire two young arms — one at the Double-A level and one pitching in High-A — both talented,” Minasian said. “They’re really good kids. The makeup was really important on this one. We felt like they were good fits for us and improved our pitching depth overall.”

García — who has a 3.71 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings this season — was dealt to Boston for four prospects. Headlining the deal is outfielder Matthew Lugo, who was rated as MLB Pipeline’s No. 17 preseason prospect for the Red Sox. The 23-year-old had a .942 OPS, 16 home runs and 16 steals in Double-A and Triple-A for Boston. Right-handed pitchers Ryan Zeferjahn and Yeferson Vargas and first baseman/designated hitter Niko Kavadas were also included in the deal.

“We felt like the group of four really helps our depth across the organization, especially in the upper levels,” Minasian said.

It’s unclear where the prospects acquired in the García deal will rank in the Angels system, but there’s no doubt the two trades netted the organization some real pitching. Klassen and Aldegheri join a system headlined by No. 1 Angels prospect Caden Dana and Barrett Kent (No. 4).

While the Angels were widely viewed as big sellers, it might appear underwhelming that the club only moved two relievers — both of whom were on expiring contracts and set to hit free agency at season’s end. Players like Tyler Anderson, Luis Rengifo and Taylor Ward were immersed in trade rumors over the last few months but ultimately were not traded.

Anderson represented the Angels at the All-Star Game this year and has a 2.96 ERA in 21 starts across 130 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old left-hander is controlled through 2025 and will make $13 million next year.

Rengifo has blossomed over the last three seasons and has been even better this year with a career-high 114 OPS+ and 23 stolen bases. The 27-year-old utility infielder will enter his final year of arbitration in 2025 before he can hit free agency.

Ward, meanwhile, has scuffled after starting the year with a .803 OPS and 11 home runs through the end of May. Since that point, Ward has struggled to a .593 OPS and five home runs in 47 games. However, Ward hit a go-ahead, game-winning grand slam in Sunday’s win over the A’s and drove in three runs on two hits on Tuesday. The 20-year-old is controlled through the 2026 season before becoming a free agent.

“If there were things presented that made the organization better, we obviously would’ve gotten it,” Minasian said. “Those are all good players that we have under control.”

It remains to be seen whether the Angels’ decision to keep all three players works out. With a 47-60 record, the Angels are on pace for their ninth straight losing season and 10th without making the playoffs. The unavailability of Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon further complicates the Angels’ short-term chances of getting back into contention.

Trout — who hasn’t played since April 29 after undergoing surgery on a torn left meniscus — had a setback and is being shut down from his rehab process, according to Minasian. Rendon, meanwhile, was placed on the injured list on Tuesday with low back inflammation. Trout and Rendon have combined to play 62 games this season and have missed significant time due to injury in recent years.