Angels' 3.68 ERA lefty could be trade candidate amid need of 'complete teardown'

The Los Angeles Angels have been hovering around the bottom of the league for a few years now, ever since Shohei Ohtani left in free agency.

Part of why they've failed to turn things around is their indecision at the MLB trade deadline. They should've traded Ohtani to kick-start a rebuild. Now in 2026, the Angels face a similar dilemma.

Jim Bowden of The Athletic named 3.68 ERA left-handed starter Reid Detmers as a potential trade target with the team in need of a "complete teardown/rebuild" thanks to the huge package Detmers could bring back in a deal this summer.

Angels' Reid Detmers named as trade chip amid urge to conduct 'complete teardown'

"The Angels need a complete teardown/rebuild and Detmers could bring back a strong package of prospects, especially if some of the other top starting pitchers aren't moved at the deadline," Bowden writes.

Three key points from this are worth exploring. The first is that Detmers is a trade candidate, which is noteworthy for a breakout pitcher with team control through the 2028 season.

While he might not normally be traded, the Angels aren't likely to be a contender by 2028, and his trade value might not be higher than it is right now.

Second is that Bowden believes the Angels should conduct a full-scale roster teardown. It's an aggressive decision that this team hasn't made recently, but with the Ohtani mistake still hurting this team, a fire sale this summer might make the most sense.

MORE: Angles can demand more in trade for Reid Detmers than Tigers can for Tarik Skubal

Lastly, Bowden's note on how the Angels could get a lot more in exchange for Detmers if the trade market for starting pitching is dry is something worth monitoring.

Detmers might be the best pitcher on the move if the New York Mets elect to hold onto Freddy Peralta and go for a postseason spot, and the Detroit Tigers do the same with Tarik Skubal.

If neither is moved, and some of the other top pitchers who could be on the move aren't dealt, the Angels might be the only seller with a pitcher who's good and is under club control beyond 2026.

Detmers is a very fascinating trade situation, as the Angels might not even move him, but if they do, they could receive a truly franchise-changing package, especially if the starting pitching trade market is barren.

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• Twins' Byron Buxton trade update is bad news for Phillies, Braves