On August 25, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim suffered yet another injury. At this point, however, it is nothing new for them.
Matt Moore, a left-handed reliever, left the game against the Blue Jays on Sunday after giving up two runs in the seventh inning. It was the 35-year-old’s first game in six days, and it was the first time he had given up multiple runs since July 19 (10 appearances).
Moore’s season ERA fell from 6.03 to 4.69 over this time period. That figure soared to 5.03 after Sunday’s game. As you can see, Moore hasn’t had a successful season and is unlikely to be in the team’s plans in 2025.
Unfortunately, when a pitcher in his mid-30s injures his elbow, it is important to consider the future.
Moore is a free agent this offseason, and the Angels must foresee what their bullpen will look like without him.
Matt Moore injury at least helps 2025 bullpen outlook
Moore was paid $9 million by the Halos this season, making him the 17th-highest paid reliever in 2024, per Spotrac. Though the Angels appeared to have struck a decent deal with the left-hander at the time, the 2024 season did not live up to expectations.
The only silver lining is that they can examine what they have in the bullpen for the rest of the season as they prepare to make free agent and trade market moves. LA had already moved Carlos Estevez and Luis Garcia to pave a path and add some prospects. Guys like Ben Joyce, Carson Fulmer, and Roansy Contreras have appeared before and after.
Perhaps this opens the door for a high prospect like Caden Dana (despite the fact that the team has obviously denied this) or Sam Bachman, who debuted last year but struggled in the minors last year. Is Hans Crouse coming back? The Angels will have a whole month to assess what they need to do in preparation for 2025.
LA Angels should look out for these relievers
Moore has the eighth-highest salary of any reliever set to become a free agent in 2025. The Halos can certainly search for another arm that is younger and less expensive.
Phil Maton, 31, seems like a nice fit. Since being dealt to the Mets in July, the right-hander has allowed only three runs in 16 innings (17 appearances), with 18 strikeouts. Maton’s contract is worth $6.5 million this season.
If the Angels want a left-handed pitcher, Jalen Beeks could be a solid fit. Beeks just turned 31 and was traded from the Rockies to the Pirates this year. In a dozen appearances with Pittsburgh, he has one earned run in 9 1/3 innings and 10 strikeouts. His 2024 salary will be $1.68 million, making him one of the less expensive free agents.
The Angels could also attempt to make a major statement. If that is the direction they want to take, they should seek Clay Holmes. The two-time All-Star has a turbulent history with the Yankees. Fans in the Bronx are tired of his unreliability in the ninth inning, and the lights may be too bright for him.
Holmes, 31, has wasted ten saves in 37 attempts this season. It’s not the best ratio, but his 2.46 FIP to 2.77 ERA demonstrates extremely strong consistency. Holmes lost seven fewer games in 2023, but having a higher ERA (2.86). He’s still a talented pitcher, and playing for a new team could benefit him.
He’ll be paid $6 million this season. If the Angels want him, they can use his 10 blown saves (and counting) to try to keep his 2025 salary low. Even if they cannot, signing Holmes will most likely be worthwhile.
In any case, while Moore’s injury is disappointing, it will at least help the Angels sort through their pitching staff ahead of time.
