The Los Angeles Angels have been relatively inactive this offseason thus far. Yes, they’ve signed three relievers, but they all got cheap one-year deals and profile as nothing more than middle relievers at best.
It has seemed like the Angels would make at least one major move during this offseason. The obvious choice was to re-sign Shohei Ohtani, but he ultimately signed with the Dodgers. While there are still quality free agents available, Perry Minasian needs to step up his game because action is predicted to finally pick up as the new year draws near. He should sign these three free agents and pass on the other two.
Justin Turner should be signed by the LA Angels
The Angels would address two obvious holes in their current roster by signing Justin Turner. He would start as the team’s starting DH. He performed admirably in that capacity for Boston last season, and now that Ohtani is out of the lineup, the Angels need to infuse more power into the middle of their lineup.
Turner may not be a particularly prolific scorer, but he did lead the Red Sox in home runs this past season with 23 and 96 RBI. Including the last two seasons, he has had five seasons with 20 or more home runs in his career. Turner is still a superb run producer, even though it’s obviously not Ohtani-level production.
He also offers elite Anthony Rendon insurance. When the Angels had to rely on inferior players in previous years,
Not only is Turner competent enough to play designated hitter, but he also offers enough defensive flexibility to avoid hurting the position like Ohtani or a free agent like J.D. Martinez would.
Turner is an experienced and reliable hitter who can benefit the Angels in numerous ways. It’s just a bonus that he’s 39 years old and won’t need a huge contract. If the Angels are awful by the deadline, they can trade him for something respectable. He could be a vital component of this team.
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