The Angels hold a 26-31 record as they approach Sunday’s series finale against the Cleveland Guardians. Despite showing signs of strong play in recent weeks, the team’s ongoing inconsistency remains an issue. Once again, there’s a legitimate chance that some of the veteran players could be dealt to contending teams as the summer progresses.
This list excludes the Angels’ young core. Players like Zach Neto, Logan O’Hoppe, Nolan Schanuel, Jose Soriano, and Jack Kochanowicz are viewed as foundational pieces for the future, not assets to be traded for prospects at the deadline.
3.) Yoan Moncada
Yoan Moncada became a low-risk gamble for the Angels after Anthony Rendon’s season ended before it even began. Following a rough finish to his tenure in Chicago, Moncada has proven to be a steady contributor in Anaheim. While his glove at third base won’t win any awards, his offense has added real value to the Angels’ lineup when he’s been healthy.
Currently, Moncada boasts a 137 OPS+, placing him fifth among third basemen with at least 100 plate appearances. Though he likely won’t command a Top 100 prospect in return, he’s played well enough to earn a starting job on a contender in 2025.
Considering the Angels signed him for just \$5 million, any return in a trade would make the investment more than worthwhile.
2.) Taylor Ward
Each year, as the Angels look to offload some talent, Taylor Ward manages to stick around. Despite the constant turnover, he’s remained in Anaheim for his entire career and still has one more year of arbitration before reaching free agency.
While having a familiar, homegrown talent like Ward—who has All-Star potential—is valuable, there’s a real possibility he could be moved if the Angels continue to slide in the standings. Especially if he keeps hitting like he has.
In May, Ward posted a 155 OPS+, placing him among baseball’s top offensive performers. He showed both power—hitting ten home runs and seven doubles—and a rebound in consistency, lifting his batting average to .255 after a slow start. Outside of Zach Neto, Ward has likely been the Angels’ top offensive contributor in 2025.
If his production holds up, Ward could net the Angels a strong return in a trade. Power hitters are always in demand, and with an extra year of team control, Ward could bring back two to three solid prospects if he stays hot.
1.) Yusei Kikuchi
The Angels’ top offseason acquisition has certainly lived up to expectations in his first 12 starts. Yusei Kikuchi has delivered a strong 3.06 ERA along with 58 strikeouts, consistently putting his team in a position to win—despite his 1-5 record, which reflects more on the team than his performance.
Kikuchi got off to a solid start, but he truly shined in May, emerging as one of the league’s top starters. Over six starts that included matchups against the Yankees, Dodgers, Tigers, and Padres, he recorded an impressive 1.89 ERA. He’s been a major bright spot in an Angels rotation that has otherwise been decent but not dominant.
It’s easy to argue that Kikuchi should be off-limits in trade talks. If the Angels believe they’re on the verge of contending, he’s exactly the type of pitcher to build around. However, it’s worth remembering that he was traded last season to Houston for a strong group of prospects—and considering his current form and added years of team control, his value is likely even higher now.
With two months left before the trade deadline, the Angels have time to figure out their direction. Given their inconsistency—flashes of brilliance mixed with tough losing stretches—much can still change. But if they decide to sell, Kikuchi and a few other names could fetch promising young talent to strengthen an already promising core in Anaheim.
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