Who should the Angels #1 starting pitcher free agent target be?

[mmc]

The past two years had a clear cut starter that was at the top of their class (Cole and Bauer), but this year it’s a little more up for debate.  Sure you could make the argument that it’s Scherzer based on performance this year, but with his age being a risk is he truly the best target when he could easily decline as soon as next year when you could potentially get several great seasons out of a Ray or Gausman?  

Vote for the pitcher who, in your mind, is the best for fit for us to pursue in free agency.  Please do not just simply state who the best pitcher is in your answer, vote based on a combination of you think is the best, who you think WILL be the best over their contracts, expected contract length, etc.

[T.G.]

Quintana!

[Vlad27Trout27]

The Scouting Department! 

At the moment, Kyle Tucker, The Cheater, A's and Seattle have made the Angels their bitches... 

[Taylor]

I said Stroman. But Gausman is in a similar class.

[fan_since79]

I want Scherzer but he's too expensive and I don't really think we have a chance. So I picked Stroman.

[greginpsca]

Doubt we get anyone on that list. I would expect getting a pitcher in a trade. Who might that be? I have no idea. I don't follow other teams much.

[BTH]

With your parameters, it was down to Scherzer or Stroman. I went with Scherzer.

He is the best pitcher, he has been the most durable of all those pitchers, and I think he'll be able to pitch well for many more years as he ages because he has elite command, has multiple good pitches, and knows how to PITCH.

 

You're probably looking at a shorter term, high AAV for him. Which would suit the Angels well. You don't want to be stuck with years 5-7 for a pitcher.

[BTH]

I think Stroman may be the most likely, but I'm not sure how great of a fit he is unless the Angels clean up their infield defense. (They need a good defensive SS, health, and better defensive positioning)

[TheLordofOuts]

1.  Scherzer 

2.  Noah Syndergard

3.  Marcus Stroman

Stroman seems to be the most likely candidate and he’s even tweets praise on Trout and Ohtani.  Sign him and Cobb and we will have enough money left over to address any potential relievers 

[Angel Oracle]

Stroman and re-sign Cobb

Can’t be relying on up and down guys like Ray or injury history guys like Thor.

Need a stable guy in the rotation.

Need to save money to bring in a decent SS and two late innings relievers, and re-sign Iglesias.

Edited September 22, 2021 by Angel Oracle

[Angels_Make_Me_Drink]

I'd be shocked if we pulled anyone on that list. 

Who are some reclamation projects we can claim?

I want Max but I don't see him coming here. He's going to want to stay with the Dodgers or go to another immediate contender. Stroman and/or Gausman would be cool, I guess.

[jsnpritchett]

7 hours ago, Trendon said:

I think Stroman may be the most likely, but I'm not sure how great of a fit he is unless the Angels clean up their infield defense. (They need a good defensive SS, health, and better defensive positioning)

Totally agree with this and mentioned in another thread.  Without an upgrade to the infield defense and/or positioning, signing Stroman would be pointless, given how much of a groundball pitcher he is.

[ScruffytheJanitor]

11 hours ago, True Grich said:

Quintana!

Finally -- someone with vision!

[ScruffytheJanitor]

2 hours ago, jsnpritchett said:

Totally agree with this and mentioned in another thread.  Without an upgrade to the infield defense and/or positioning, signing Stroman would be pointless, given how much of a groundball pitcher he is.

Agree totally. I was all about him two years ago when it looked like Simba and Fletcher were going to be locking down the defense for a few years... but now it feels like a mistake. 

I half expect us to over pay Rodon... I have no reason for thinking this. 

[Stradling]

Solving the infield defense isn’t hard.  Sign a good defensive SS.  Put them in a position to succeed.  Done. 

[angelsnationtalk]

Have to imagine that Syndergaard and Rodon can be had for less that what Scherzer/Kershaw/Ray would get. Though a risk.....

Go with one of them, re-sign Cobb and then swap a trade for someone like Mayer and you've got one hell of a rotation. 

Ohtani/Thor/Cobb/Sandoval/Detmers/Meyer. (plus Suarez/Rodriguez/Bachman can be used in bullpen if needed)

[jsnpritchett]

1 hour ago, Stradling said:

Solving the infield defense isn’t hard.  Sign a good defensive SS.  Put them in a position to succeed.  Done. 

That was the plan this past off season, too. Didn't work out.

[Stradling]

9 minutes ago, jsnpritchett said:

That was the plan this past off season, too. Didn't work out.

Well we didn’t have a healthy third baseman, we also didn’t put them in a position to succeed.  

[Tank]

i'm voting for Justin Verlander.

[DCAngelsFan]

My #1 is Scherzer - he's the best, and brings some toughness to the rotation.  And he comes without the loss of a draft pick

That's without considering financial considerations - but if he were to come here, it shouldn't be because we offer him the most money, it's because he sees an opportunity with a team of Trout/Ohtani/Rendon, some good-upside youngsters, and the makings of a good rotation.  

But Stroman and Gausman might be more realistic - I get the idea Stroman might want to come here, but I think I prefer Gausman - he misses bats

I'd like to consider Snydergaard - but don't see it working - wouldn't give up a draft pick and intl bonus pool money for him if the Mets extend a QO - he's a risk, and not gonna give him a long-term deal

[Angels 1961]

Anthony DeSclafani, and Cobb both short term and much cheaper.

[Tank]

we need an absolute stud at the top of our starting six. we'll be bidders and go hard after a few of these guys, but after the disappointment of the last few years, i'm setting my expectations far lower. thus, why i'm looking at verlander.

[Angel Oracle]

5 hours ago, Angels 1961 said:

Anthony DeSclafani, and Cobb both short term and much cheaper.

Buyer beware on DeSclafani, I originally wanted for them to pursue him, and then I saw the near 5.00 post-ASB ERA.

[T.G.]

Don’t forget… Kelvim Escobar will finally come off the DL by next season!

[jsnpritchett]

I'd like to revise my answer to a generic "someone better than Reid Detmers." Thank you.