With under a week before the MLB trade deadline, we have division rivals coming together on a trade. The Los Angeles Angels are sending reliever Chase Silseth and catcher Logan O’Hoppe to the Texas Rangers. The Angels are getting back minor league infielder Angel Arredondo. This is one of the more unique moves we have seen, as you rarely see two major leaguers get moved for a minor leaguer. Especially someone who isn’t even a top 30 prospect in the team system. So why did both sides decide to do this deal?
Why Did Both Teams Make This Trade?
Why the Rangers Made the Deal
At first glance, the Rangers seemingly robbed the Angels in this trade. They got two big league players in exchange for a 19-year-old years away from the majors. While both of these players can help the Rangers, Silseth is the big get of this deal. In 39 ⅔ innings this season, he has pitched to a 2.72 ERA with 48 strikeouts to 22 walks, a 1.412 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 174. He has established himself as one of the Angels’ most trusted relievers. This will be a big help to a Rangers bullpen that has been average this season. He can be a seventh- or eighth-inning guy who helps get the game to Jacob Latz.
O’Hoppe is the low-risk, high-reward player in this deal. Sure, he is in the middle of his worst offensive season, slashing .209/.271/.565 with four home runs, 23 RBIs, and a 62 OPS+. But just a couple of seasons ago, he was a lock for a .245 average and 20 home runs. Solid offensive production from the catcher spot. It is the type of performance that makes up for his horrendous defense. A change of scenery could be all he needs to get back to that level of play. The Rangers have opted him to Triple-A, where he should see consistent playing time. This will allow him to work on his swing and regain his confidence, making him a solid hitter again.
Why the Angels Made the Deal
The package the Angels got does seem a little light. Sure, they were not going to get any big-name prospect for either player. But they probably could have gotten another player similar to Arredondo. Someone under the age of 20 in Single-A, who could develop. As far as Arredondo goes, there is some stuff to like. He has been praised for his defensive ability at such a young age. He also has a good eye at the plate. He has a strikeout percentage of 18 and a walk percentage around 14. He does not chase much, but will need to add more power if he wants to make it to the majors. He is an interesting developmental prospect.
But this signals that the Angels are finally going to be sellers. There have been many seasons where the Angels have struggled, and they either stayed put or bought at the trade deadline. Rather than sell some pieces and try to improve their abysmal farm system. It is part of the reason they are always at the bottom of the standings and farm system rankings. Sure, Arredondo will not do anything to improve the perception, but the trade is a step in the right direction. It should be the first of several moves in the Angels’ firesale. Guys like Reid Detmers, Jo Adell, Kirby Yates, and Brent Suter could all be on the move this week.
