The Los Angeles Angels traded for Lucas Giolito and more from the Chicago White Sox, signaling they are going for it. A Shohei Ohtani deal, it would appear, is off the table.
We have a trade! And a big one at that.
Lucas Giolito is one of the better rental starting pitchers on the trade market. Giolito's sub-4 ERA should be of service for the Halos, a team that lacks much pitching depth, as they make a push for the AL Wild Card. Reynaldo Lopez is a solid bullpen piece.
Los Angeles entered this week with major questions surrounding their deadline plans. Primarily, it's been reported the team has taken calls on star two-way player and former AL MVP Shohei Ohtani. However, given they just traded for two of the best pitchers on the open market, it would seem the thought of dealing Ohtani is no longer prevalent in the Halos front office.
MLB trade grades: White Sox-Angels deal takes Shohei Ohtani off the table
The power of pairing assets strikes again!
The White Sox did well by selling high on both Giolito and Lopez, two pitchers who should contribute quite a bit for the Angels down the stretch. Both players are on the final years of their contracts, which makes this a decent return for a White Sox team short on prospects and young talent at the MLB level.
White Sox trade grade: B+
Chicago was in a tough spot heading into this trade deadline. Most of their assets are rentals, and their value on the market is unclear. However, by acquiring the Angels Nos. 2 and 3 overall prospects, the South Siders did well in pairing both Giolito and Lopez. Quero is only 20 and should develop into a top-100 catcher in the Sox system. Bush, meanwhile, has struggled this season, but will get a fresh start as a 23-year-old near the top of the LAA farm.
Los Angeles Angels trade grade: B-
I want it to be clear that I don't dislike this trade from the Halos perspective. However, they're four games out of the final Wild Card and far back in the AL West. This trade stinks of Arte Moreno, and not trading Shohei Ohtani for a loaded prospect package could come back to haunt LA. Ohtani is the best player of his era. Should he sign with the Dodgers, the Angels will receive nothing more than a comp pick, rather than the prospect-laden trade package they deserve. Giolito and Lopez are nice additions, but it's postseason or bust now for the Halos. Moreno and the front office better hope they achieve that goal.