Angels Lineup Boost: Rays Slugger Could be Headed to…
The Los Angeles Angels lost 99 games in 2024 and finished in last place in the American League West. Their chances at contending in 2025 are slim, but they have already made a few decent moves.
They acquired Jorge Soler in a trade with the Atlanta Braves and also signed free agents Kevin Newman and Travis D’Arnaud. They may not be done just yet.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report predicts that the Halos could potentially make a trade for Tampa Bay Rays slugger Brandon Lowe.
“The Angels want to go for it in 2025. And for that, they’re going to need more left-handed power,” Rymer wrote.
“Though their park is about as friendly to lefty sluggers as any other in MLB. the Halos got only 38 homers from the left side this year. More isn’t on tap for 2025, as power-light first baseman Nolan Schanuel is the only true left-handed hitter in the lineup.
A trade for Lowe would double that number. And from a certain angle, he plus Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, Jorge Soler, Taylor Ward, Logan O’Hoppe, and Jo Adell would look promising, if more than a little volatile.”
Lowe hit .244 with 21 home runs in 2024 over 107 games and 425 plate appearances. He also stole five bases and posted a .311 on-base percentage and a .473 slugging percentage.
He’ll need to stay healthy to have any sort of impact on the Halos, but the Angels do at least look like they are trying to take steps forward in 2025. Lowe can certainly help with that.
It will be a tall order to get past the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. But if Lowe joins the Angels, they could have a better chance.
We’ll see if this trade ultimately comes to pass.
