Analyzing possible moves prior to Trade Deadline

This story was excerpted from Rhett Bollinger's Angels Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ANAHEIM -- The Trade Deadline is fast approaching for the Angels, who have been playing better recently, but still are expected to be sellers ahead of Tuesday’s 3 p.m. PT Deadline.

Nobody is running away with the American League West, and the Angels are 24-20 over their past 44 games, but they’re still just 45-58 on the year and 8 1/2 games back of the Astros (53-49) -- with the Mariners (53-51) and Rangers (51-52) also ahead of them. So it would make sense for the Angels to make moves to set themselves up for the future and add to the farm system.

Closer Carlos Estévez, who has been lights out for the past two months and is set to be a free agent after the season, is the club’s most obvious trade candidate. But general manager Perry Minasian will have some tough decisions when it comes to players such as Tyler Anderson, Luis Rengifo and Taylor Ward, who are all under club control beyond this year.

Of course, sometimes surprises happen, like in 2022, when the Angels traded outfielder Brandon Marsh to the Phillies for catcher Logan O’Hoppe in a move that has benefited both teams. Lefty Reid Detmers, who is at Triple-A Salt Lake, could fit that mold in a surprise deal. But here’s a look at who is more likely to get dealt:

RHP Carlos Estévez
Estévez struggled early but has been absolutely unhittable over the past two months, turning in 18 straight scoreless outings. He’s struck out 15 and allowed just five baserunners in 18 innings over that span while going 13-for-13 in save opportunities. He’s expected to be a hot commodity at the Deadline, but trading him would be a blow to the clubhouse, as he’s one of the team’s leaders. However, he’s going to be a free agent, and teams are always desperate for dependable relievers, so it makes sense to trade him.

OF Kevin Pillar
Pillar, who said he’s leaning toward retiring after this season, will only be traded if he asks to be moved to a willing contender. The 35-year-old has been great for the Angels since signing with the club in late April when Mike Trout went down with his torn meniscus. He has hit .298/.346/.490 with six homers, nine doubles, seven stolen bases and 28 RBIs in 50 games this season with the Angels. He's still best as a part-time player, which limits his value, but if a contender believes he can help them -- and he’s willing to be moved -- the Angels will trade him.

RHP Luis García
García, who signed a one-year deal worth $4.25 million in the offseason, has been a solid setup reliever and is headed for free agency. He's posted a 3.80 ERA with 40 strikeouts and 14 walks in 42 2/3 innings. García has posted a 1.23 ERA over his past 13 appearances and has been dependable this year outside of three rough outings that saw him allow 10 of his 18 earned runs on the season. Fellow veteran Hunter Strickland also fits this mold, but he could be kept around to mentor the club’s younger relievers.

LHP Tyler Anderson
Anderson, an All-Star for the second time in his career this year, has been as consistent as they come this year. The 34-year-old has registered a 2.91 ERA with 89 strikeouts and 48 walks in 123 2/3 innings. He’s under contract next year at a reasonable $13 million, which increases his value. If the Angels plan on competing next year, he would be tough to replace. But if they get the right offer, it could make sense to add prospects to the system for Anderson.

INF Luis Rengifo
Rengifo, who is under team control through next season, has had a breakout year, hitting .308 with six homers, 22 stolen bases and 29 RBIs in 72 games. He also offers plenty of versality, which teams covet. But like with Anderson, the Angels will have to weigh how much they believe they can compete next year, as Rengifo would also be tough to replace. Fellow infielder Brandon Drury, who has struggled this year and isn’t likely to be traded as a result, is headed toward free agency, thinning their depth for next year.

OF Taylor Ward
Ward, who isn’t set to be a free agent until after the 2026 season, saw his name come up in trade rumors earlier this month, and he has struggled in July after a rough June. Ward has had a hot start to the year, but has scuffled at the plate recently, batting .169 with three homers in 44 games since June 1, and has had a tough time defensively, especially with his arm. If the Angels are blown away by a team looking for outfield help, they could decide to move him, but given that he’s under control for two more years, it seems less likely.