Breaking: 2-Time World Series champ the Next Target in Angels…

The Los Angeles Angels have been the busiest team so far this winter, but their offseason spending spree needs to go further, according to one Major League Baseball insider.

With baseball followers waiting impatiently for the big names on the free-agent market to start signing with teams, the Angels have made several moves to strengthen last year’s 99-loss product.

Heading into this week, Los Angeles signed free-agent pitcher Kyle Hendricks, catcher Travis d’Arnaud, and infielder Kevin Newman, as well as trading for designated hitter Jorge Soler.

The Angels made another splash on Monday by reportedly agreeing to a three-year contract with starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi.

However, the team still has several holes to fill. One of the most pronounced holes is at the back of the bullpen, where FanGraphs currently projects Ben Joyce as the team’s closer.

Joyce showed plenty of promise last season, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.08 ERA in 31 games. However, does Los Angeles really want to hand the ninth inning over to a 24-year-old?

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand projects the Angels to bring aboard a steady veteran arm instead in the form of Blake Treinen.

“The Angels have already addressed their rotation concerns by signing Kyle Hendricks and have reportedly agreed to a deal with Yusei Kikuchi, so expect them to turn their focus to the bullpen in the coming weeks,” Feinsand wrote. “It’s unclear whether the Angels will spend big for top closers like Tanner Scott or Carlos Estévez, but Treinen would be a strong veteran presence on a team looking to contend.”

Treinen has closing experience, having posted 38 saves for the Oakland Athletics in 2018. However, he became a set-up man for the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing with the team before the 2020 season.

The 36-year-old has been splendid for the Dodgers, posting a 2.29 ERA over 154 games. Spotrac currently rates his market value at just $2.4 million for a one-year deal.

That is a very nice price for the Angels to gain an insurance policy at the back end of the bullpen. If Joyce takes the closer role and runs with it, then Treinen becomes a valued set-up man. If Joyce struggles, then Treinen can step in as a viable closer.