The Los Angeles Angels made an unexpected trade on Sunday, parting ways with a longtime pitcher. They traded left-hander Jose Suarez to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for former top prospect Ian Anderson, marking a rare pitcher-for-pitcher deal.
Manager Ron Washington addressed the trade shortly after it was announced.
“The Braves are getting a bulldog. We’re going to miss Suarez,” Washington said, according to The Orange County Register’s Jeff Fletcher. “I’m not saying Suarez was bad for us, and that’s why we traded him. We do what we do to improve, and he just happened to be the guy we traded for. Atlanta probably needed him, and we felt we needed Ian Anderson.”
Suarez struggled last season, which led to his demotion by the Angels. In 2024, he posted a 6.02 ERA with 56 strikeouts and 27 walks in 52.1 innings. His performance was even worse the previous year, with an 8.29 ERA.
In spring training, Suarez showed up 20 pounds lighter, signaling his determination to bounce back in 2025 after two tough seasons.
Now, Suarez will begin a new chapter with the Braves.
Washington explained that the Angels were looking to add a right-hander to their bullpen, making Anderson an ideal target, with Suarez being the odd man out.
“Before he got hurt, he was an up-and-coming, pretty good pitcher. I don’t think he’s lost his ability. We were left-handed heavy in our bullpen, and this gives us a chance to add another right-hander,” Washington said. “Right now, it’s about the bullpen, and as the season progresses, that will sort itself out.”
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