Angels Rumors: Halos Veteran Utility Man Among Top Trade Chips Heading Into 2023 Offseason

As the Los Angeles Angels head into their offseason, they have a ton of decisions to make. They first need to find a manager, but they also have to figure out how to get themselves back into a place of contending.

The Halos haven’t reached the postseason since 2014, and things aren’t looking great for their immediate future. They could be heading for a transition year, depending on what happens over this offseason.

Since the Angels don’t know what direction the organization will be going next season, they could elect to move some players for future assets. MLB writer Joel Reuter mentioned utility man Brandon Drury as a candidate to be flipped this winter.

“With the Angels potentially headed for a transition year with Shohei Ohtani poised to depart in free agency and Mike Trout’s long-term status cloudy at best, Drury would be an easy veteran piece to flip if they opt to retool.”

Per Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report

Drury put together a strong performance in 2022 with the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres, and it saw him get a nice deal from the Halos.

“He parlayed that performance into a two-year, $17 million contract from the Los Angeles Angels last offseason, and he again served as a versatile defender and solid middle-of-the-order run producer.”

Per Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report

Drury could provide a team with a nice asset for 2024. He is only on the books for $8.5 million next season, so it wouldn’t cause a team to take a big cap hit.

He hit .262 with 26 home runs and 83 runs batted in for the Halos this past season. It was a very productive year for the veteran, and he would be a steal for a team next year if traded.

This will be something to watch throughout this offseason, and it'll all likely depend on what happens with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.