The Los Angeles Angels have been playing better lately, winning five of their past seven games, but their recent success does little to change the bigger picture. The organization is already looking ahead to 2027. Even after climbing out of the American League West cellar, the Halos remain among baseball’s weakest teams, and their decision to sell at the trade deadline effectively signaled the end of another disappointing season in Anaheim.
The bigger question now is how the Angels can finally change that trajectory in 2027.
This year’s free agency could mark a significant shift in philosophy for the Angels, especially following the removal of Perry Minasian as general manager. During Minasian’s tenure, the team struggled to land impactful players during the offseason, frequently opting to take chances on veterans who were past their prime and hoping they could rediscover their form. That approach failed to produce the desired results, and John Mozeliak is now serving as the interim GM.
It remains uncertain whether Mozeliak will retain the position beyond this season, but his work leading up to the trade deadline appears to have earned him considerable goodwill among Angels fans. Regardless of whether Mozeliak or a new general manager ultimately controls the roster, this winter’s free agency period could be extremely important for the next phase of the franchise.
Fortunately for the Halos, they aren’t facing a major wave of departures this offseason. Yoan Moncada, Travis d’Arnaud, and Robert Stephenson represent some of the most notable Angels players expected to reach free agency. Perhaps more importantly, the team is nearing the end of Anthony Rendon’s massive $245 million contract.
Rendon’s $38 million salary for 2026 was restructured earlier this year, allowing the Angels to spread the remaining payments across multiple seasons. Even so, having Rendon’s contract largely removed from the books should provide the organization with considerably more financial flexibility heading into the winter.
Pitching will likely be one of the biggest areas of need after the Angels traded away important arms such as Jose Soriano and Ryan Zeferjahn. The team will need to rebuild its pitching staff heading into 2027, and potential free-agent starters could include Brady Singer, Tyler Mahle, and Shane Bieber.
Mahle and Bieber could be particularly intriguing options for the Angels. Both are Orange County natives, and neither is expected to command the type of money typically associated with the top pitchers on the free-agent market, potentially making them more realistic targets for Anaheim.
The bullpen could also require reinforcements. One intriguing possibility would be picking up Robert Stephenson’s $2.5 million option. It would come with some risk, but if Stephenson can return to form, the move could provide significant upside. The Angels could also explore relievers in the same general tier as Gregory Soto and Bryan Abreu.
Offensively, the Angels could use additional help in the outfield, behind the plate, and potentially at third base if they aren’t convinced Denzer Guzman is ready to handle an everyday role.
Ian Happ and Lane Thomas could be realistic outfield targets, while a reunion with Taylor Ward could also make sense as the Angels look to improve their depth in 2027. Behind the plate, veterans such as Kyle Higashioka and Austin Hedges could provide stability alongside deadline acquisition Moises Ballesteros.
Third base offers fewer obvious free-agent solutions, but the Angels could potentially improve their options internally by moving players such as J.P. Crawford or Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the hot corner.
There is still plenty of time before the Angels’ offseason plans become clear, including who will ultimately be making the decisions in the front office. However, the way the organization operated at the trade deadline suggests that this winter could look very different from previous years.
After another disappointing season, the Angels finally appear to have an opportunity to change course. The question is whether they can make the right moves and take the next step toward becoming competitive again in 2027.
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