MLB trade deadline rumors: biggest questions ahead
Bob Nightengale breaks down the biggest trade deadline questions as contenders and sellers weigh their next moves.
A pair of American League West Division rivals worked out a trade together on Wednesday, July 29.
The Los Angeles Angels announced they sent catcher Logan O’Hoppe and right-handed reliever Chase Silseth to the Texas Rangers, who sent over minor league infielder Angel Arredondo.
O’Hoppe spent the first five years of his major league career with the Angels. Before he became a once-promising player for the Angels, he was originally selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 23rd round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
The trade comes after the Angels fired general manager Perry Minasian on June 26. Former St. Louis Cardinals executive John Mozeliak is serving as the interim general manager.
With a week remaining before the trade deadline, the Angels could also consider trading pitchers Reid Detmers, Jose Soriano and shortstop Zach Neto. Their decisions on those players will further indicate what direction the Angels are moving in as a franchise.
Angels-Rangers trade grades
Angels: C-
The Angels decided to unload a pair of players in exchange for Arredondo. The trade could be considered questionable for the Angels, considering Arredondo isn’t a highly touted prospect.
He produced a .789 OPS at Class-A and was not considered a top 30 Rangers prospect.
Rangers: B+
Texas came across as the true winner in the deal, adding immediate depth to its roster and system with the additions of O’Hoppe and Silseth without giving up any of its top-level prospects. (O’Hoppe, 26, is reportedly heading to Triple-A for now.)
Silseth has started just 17 of the 82 games he has played over the past five years for the Angels, settling into a relief role. In his career he’s allowed 126 hits and 70 runs (64 earned runs) while striking out 153. This season he sports a 2.72 ERA in 39.2 innings of work over 47 games.