Tuesday, July 22

With the Trade Deadline looming on July 31, the next 10 days will be critical for the Angels to determine if they’ll be buyers or sellers.

They’ve surprised this season with a 49-50 record, which has kept them in contention for an American League Wild Card spot. They have a tough slate coming up, with three games against the Mets, four against the Mariners and three against the Rangers, but if they play well, they can make up ground on Seattle, which leads them by four games in the AL Wild Card chase.

The Angels, who just took two of three from the Phillies over the weekend, are well aware of the importance of the next 10 games, but they’re doing their best to stay focused.

“I mean, we're not running from it,” interim manager Ray Montgomery said. “I'm not gonna not talk about it. Guys should talk about it and just make it less of an issue that way. The message is the same, to win today's game just like yesterday. If we win more games, obviously there’s a propensity to do more.”

That mantra was evident throughout the clubhouse, as Angels players said the key is take it day by day and not get distracted by outside noise. There are several veterans who are impending free agents who could be trade candidates, such as closer Kenley Jansen, infielders Luis Rengifo and Yoán Moncada, lefty Tyler Anderson and right-hander Kyle Hendricks. Left fielder Taylor Ward, who remains under team control through next season, has also been rumored to be a trade candidate, much like each of the last two seasons.

“You just can't think about it,” Jansen said. “You just gotta focus and help your team and be supportive around your teammates. Keep everybody loose and bring this great energy, positive energy. Let’s take care of one day at a time, and we'll see what's gonna happen.”

Jansen, who signed a one-year deal worth $10 million in the offseason, is one of the club’s most valuable trade chips, as he’s a proven reliever who has converted 17 of his 18 save chances this year. But he was adamant that he doesn’t want to be moved, as his goal is to help the Angels to the postseason for the first time since 2014.

“I came here with one goal in mind, just trying to help this organization to turn it back to a winning organization,” Jansen said. “We’ve got a great group of guys around here, and I think we can do it. We can sneak in as a Wild Card. You never know what can happen the next [63] games. So we just got to keep coming with this energy when we play.”

Ward had a similar take, as he’s seen his name bandied about in trade rumors in recent years, but he said he wants to remain with the only organization he’s known since being drafted as the No. 26 overall pick in 2015. He said he’s learned how to deal with the Trade Deadline with his experience and doesn’t believe it’ll affect his team.

“I just think we just need to go out there and just focus on winning every ballgame,” Ward said. “I think that's what we've been doing all year. Just keep that going. At least offensively -- doing what we're doing. It's been awesome to be a part of. And I think as long the boys continue to do what they're doing and pass the baton, I think we will be in a good spot.”

If the Angels do buy, they’re likely to target relief help and could use another outfielder. But utility man Chris Taylor is returning from the injured list this week and will help with their outfield depth. There’s also a chance they could buy and sell at the Deadline, much like the Tigers did last year and the Mariners did in ’23. Given their young core, the Angels have to be mindful of the future but also will look to capitalize if they get the right offer on a player who can help them win now.

Angels superstar Mike Trout knows he’s not going anywhere, given that he has a no-trade clause and is under contract through 2030, but would love to see the Angels add at the Deadline as they attempt to end their lengthy playoff drought.

“You've seen what we're capable of doing,” Trout said. “We’ve had some great stretches in the last few weeks. We’ve got to get off to a hot second half. We’ve got to do the little things right: Play solid defense, and when we have runners on base, we’ve got to do our job.”

Ward reached a milestone on Saturday, homering in a second straight game to reach 100 in his career. It was also his 23rd homer of the year, which ranks fifth among American League players. Ward was excited to reach the mark and receive the ball, as the Phillies’ staff was able to find it in the trees beyond the center-field fence.

“It's something I’ll always cherish,” Ward said. “And I'm so thankful for this opportunity to get it. I got the ball last night, so it'll go to a nice place on my mantel.”

Francisco Rodríguez has the club record for saves in a season with 62, but who ranks second?

A. Brian Fuentes
B. Troy Percival
C. Bryan Harvey
D. Huston Street

After their three-game series against the Mets at Citi Field, the Angels return home for a lengthy 13-game homestand against the Mariners, Rangers, White Sox and Rays. They were originally supposed to play in Tampa from Aug. 4-6, but it was switched to April for weather reasons. The homestand features several giveaways, including a Zach Neto bobblehead on Friday, a corduroy hat on Saturday, a Mike Trout youth jersey on Sunday and a postcard shirt on Aug. 1. For ticket information, visit Angels.com/tickets.

A. Fuentes, with 48 saves in 2009.

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