ANAHEIM – Angels general manager Perry Minasian made clear at the General Managers’ Meetings that improving rotation would be the top priority this offseason.
The club made its first heavyweight signing on Tuesday, announcing a one year and $ 21 million with the right Noah Syndergaard, who will earn more in 2022 than any other pitcher in Angels history in one season, surpassing the $ 20 million that Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson earned in 2016.
Minasian traveled to New York last week for a three-hour dinner with Syndergaard, who ended up opting for the Angels over other teams, including the Mets – who had made him the qualifying one-year, $ 18.4 million offer. Los Angeles-Anaheim will sacrifice a second-round pick in the 2022 Amateur Draft for a compromise with certain risks, but with a high ceiling.
“There were multiple teams interested, so it’s kind of flattering that he chose us,” Minasian confessed. “I think it is an association. We are betting on him and he on us. It does not come to lose. He wants to earn as much as anyone else. It is very competitive. He is the type of player we are looking for ”.
It’s the kind of move the Angels need to improve a rotation that posted a 4.78 ERA in 2021, ranking 22nd in the majors. They haven’t finished with a winning record since 2015 and are trying to build around a core that includes Mike Trout, Anthony Rendón, Jared Walsh and Shohei Ohtani.
Syndergaard hopes to join a rotation that features youngsters Patrick Sandoval, Venezuelan José Suárez and Ohtani. The club is looking for two more starters.
“It is not a secret; we want several, ”said Minasian. “We want to add more. He is the right person for our team. We want more starters and relievers. It is something that we will continue looking for ”.
Syndergaard, affected by injuries in recent years, including Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss most of the past two seasons, had his best season in 2016, when he posted a 2.60 ERA with 218 strikeouts and the best FIP of Over 2.29 in a total of 183.2 innings. He finished in eighth place in voting for the Cy Young Award.
“It’s about its potential,” Minasian said. “I think when he’s good, he’s one of the best pitchers in the sport. He is one of those who you want to hit the ball in the important moments. This is demonstrated by his record in the postseason. Besides that, I think his aggressiveness complements our rotation well. “
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