Jun 26, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Miguel Sano (22) and shortstop Zach Neto (9) and first baseman Nolan Schanuel (18) and second baseman Luis Rengifo (2) huddle during a pitching change in the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Trade Options For Hot-Hitting Angels Infielder.
The Los Angeles Angels know that a Luis Rengifo trade would signal the beginning of a much-needed rebuild. As an organization, the Angels have been below average for nearly a decade. Plus, the farm system is the worst in baseball. Yet, it can be tough to tell your fans that you need to start over, especially when you have Mike Trout on your team (or at least your injured list). While GM Perry Minasian isn’t solely to blame for this catastrophe, it will likely cost him his job this offseason. Whatever way you look at it, the Angels should trade every valuable asset not on a rookie deal.
A Luis Rengifo trade would fit perfectly with dealing away the Angels’ other trade chips. Tyler Anderson, Taylor Ward, and Carlos Estévez are all valuable trade options for contending teams. Anderson, Ward, and Rengifo are all controlled for more than this season. Anderson’s many trade possibilities are due to his excellent numbers in 2024. A Taylor Ward trade could net even better prospects given that he is team-controlled through the 2026 season. The closer trade market for Estévez will certainly be competitive, even though he is merely a rental. Rengifo should cost two to three prospects because he, like Ward, is controlled through 2026. It’s important that the Angels don’t get caught up in getting MLB-ready prospects in return and instead maximize Rengifo’s trade value.
Luis Rengifo Trade Rumors
The Angels almost traded Luis Rengifo to the Dodgers in early 2020, before the trade fell through due to owner Arte Moreno. Surprisingly, this might work out better for the Angels. Since the start of 2022, Rengifo’s 113 wRC+ is tied for fourth among second basemen. Or, if a team uses him at third base, he would rank twelfth. More importantly, his numbers have improved every season. Rengifo is having his best year at the plate this season. His 127 OPS+ is up 16 points from 2023, which was nine points better than 2022. With this positive trajectory, some in the organization might prefer to keep Rengifo, but given the Angels’ endless list of needs, they should instead look to move him.
