Reports emerged on earlier on Wednesday night that Los Angeles Angels are taking two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani — set to be a free agent after the season ends — off the trade market. If that news wasn’t already confirmation that the Angels are “going for it” this season, a move they made hours later really cemented it.
The Angels have acquired starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and relief pitcher Reynaldo López in exchange for minor-league pitcher Ky Bush and catcher Edgar Quero.
OFFICIAL: The Angels have acquired RHP Lucas Giolito and RHP Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league LHP Ky Bush and C Edgar Quero. pic.twitter.com/Q6pdZ9MKve
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) July 27, 2023
The headliner of this trade is definitely Giolito.
Giolito, 29, has a 3.79 ERA over 121 innings pitched (21 starts) this season. He’s been one of the top right-handers in the American League over the last several years — an AL All-Star in 2019 — and adds a big boost to the Angels’ starting rotation. Like Ohtani, he’ll be a free agent after the season ends.
Lucas Giolito's 3Ks in the 3rd.
6Ks thru 3. pic.twitter.com/zMonPiRALq
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 23, 2023
López is a former starting pitcher who’s seen a huge velocity increase out of the bullpen. This season, he has a mediocre 4.29 ERA, but he’s striking out a career-best 29.2 percent of hitters while averaging 98.5 mph on his fastball.
In return, the White Sox — one of MLB’s most disappointing teams this season at 41-62 — get two intriguing prospects. Quero was slotted in as the Angels’ No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, while Bush — a left-handed pitcher — slotted in at No. 3.
Additionally, MLB Network’s’ Jon Morosi reports that the Angels “have discussed a Jeimer Candelario trade with Nats.”
Source: Angels have discussed a Jeimer Candelario trade with Nats, in addition to their recently completed deal with the White Sox. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 27, 2023
Candelario — also a free agent after the season ends — has .256/.336/.438 slash line this season while playing a strong third base with the Washington Nationals.
So, the Angels are officially buyers, and it seems they’re not done yet.
Here’s how MLB fans have reacted to the news:
Lucas Giolito has been traded twice now
BOTH times with Reynaldo López
BASE
BALL pic.twitter.com/rc5hrGqff4— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 27, 2023
I will never forget Lucas Giolito’s no-hitter in 2020.
A night that made so many people feel together for a little while in such an awful year of being separated from life.
— Jason Benetti (@jasonbenetti) July 27, 2023
Reynaldo Lopez would’ve been a target of mine, probably best Stuff+ that’ll be moved at deadline. Lucas Giolito hasn’t quite got his old fastball back but he’s obviously going to help that rotation. Quero is a good get for the White Sox, his K & BB rates are great for a catcher.
— Eno Sarris (@enosarris) July 27, 2023
Confirmed that these trades will push the #Angels over the luxury tax.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 27, 2023
Doesn’t seem to be super popular with some, but I think this seems to be a really solid return for CHW for what is essentially a rental player in Giolito. Quero has struggled at AA but is only 20, and pushed aggressive. Ky Bush could be a rotation guy next year too (good slider). https://t.co/0XlOzILFsd
— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) July 27, 2023
Lucas Giolito has been a great dude and a really solid pitcher for the #WhiteSox during his career. Good luck to him out west. This is a good return though.
— James Fox (@JamesFox917) July 27, 2023
Lucas Giolito is the headliner, but getting Reynaldo López is a huge deal.
The #Angels desperately needed bullpen help, and López has the potential to be an impact leverage guy.
He was absolutely dominant out of the bullpen last season: 2.76 ERA, 1.93 FIP, & 2 fWAR in 65.1 IP
— BTH (@BeyondTheHalo) July 27, 2023
The Angels are 52-49, four games back in the AL Wild Card race and seven games back in the AL West. They’re trying to make the postseason for the first time since 2014.
