For a while, it appeared as though the Los Angeles Angels had discovered something in Sam Bachman. The frequently hurt right-hander was beginning to exhibit some of the potential that had earned him the ninth overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. But relievers are erratic beings, as Bachman’s most recent performance further demonstrated.
In the eighth inning of the June 14 game against the Rays, the 26-year-old was called into a 3-3 tie. He quickly walked the struggling Cedric Mullins, allowing superstar Junior Caminero to hit a two-run home run to give Tampa the lead.
After coughing up the lead, Bachman continued to falter, finishing the game with four hits, two walks, another home run—this time to Victor Mesa Jr.—and five earned runs overall. The game would end in an 8-3 loss for the Angels.
The question here is whether the most well-known player from the questionable 2021 All-Pitcher Draft can offer Los Angeles more value as a member of the active squad or as a trade piece that can be swapped for something else. One poor performance shouldn’t ruin a season. It’s obviously the latter, in our opinion.
When it comes to trade negotiations, the Halos believe that no one should be excluded. Many of the club’s key players, including Jo Adell, Jose Soriano, and Zach Neto, are currently in arbitration and will become more costly.
However, as the Angels fight for the worst record in baseball, the next generation of elite prospects isn’t significant enough to turn the team into a contender in the coming year or two. As a result, many of these valuable items will only depreciate in the years to come.
Additionally, it makes sense to trade some players before their performance collapses. With Bachman, who continues to walk far too many batters at a 12.5% clip and drives some peripherals like a 4.30 FIP that contradict his still-impressive 3.31 ERA, the organization should be in that position.
Even though the trade deadline isn’t until August 3, the Angels should move quickly to acquire Bachman. As seen last year with the Rafael Devers trade, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, teams don’t have to wait until the deadline to execute moves.
A higher return could result by jumping the market. Many contenders are searching for bullpen assistance, and persuading them that Bachman could help them win a few more games between now and the start of August could show them that striking a deal will improve their chances of making the playoffs. For instance, Noah Hiles, the beat writer for the Pirates, is urging the organization to take immediate action to fix its weak bullpen. Once more, they are by no means the only squad in that situation.
Since relievers are the most frequently sold assets at the trade deadline, a player like Bachman, who lacks both high-leverage arm and closing expertise, will be eliminated once the market is overrun with bullpen pieces. However, he may be the only game in town in mid-June, which would allow the Angels to demand a larger price for him than they could in a few short weeks.
This season, making the most of their trade chips is crucial. This team has been operating with a crippling lack of decisiveness for far too long, which has resulted in years of baseball purgatory. Making audacious decisions and having a clear understanding of reality are the only ways to end that pattern. That might begin with trading Bachman right now.
