Fanmail Friday #9: Trade Talks, Tough Truths, and Draft Dreams
May 22, 2026 - Written by AJ Stone
CHRISTIAN MOORE’S SECOND HOMER OF THE GAME WALKS IT OFF pic.twitter.com/PtYHj6uRMv
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 25, 2025
Welcome back to Fanmail Friday! Today we’ve got hard-hitting questions, real organizational zingers, and future draft pick dreams. Let’s dive right into how Angels’ Nation is feeling.
Q: Who do you want before the trade deadline? (@joshrockz48)
A: The Angels aren’t in a position to add. Plain and simple. As painful as it may feel, it’s gonna be another year of trading players away. If LA were to add anyone, it’d likely be a younger player with team control who requires a change of scenery. Minnesota Twins’ Royce Lewis is someone to check up on.
Q: Should we trade Jose Soriano for a nice package at the trade deadline? (@luke_dosti)
A: Yes and no. Soriano has been one of MLB’s best arms through the first month of 2026. His arm talent has always been obvious, but the pieces have finally come together. Now that he’s in full form, he’s an ace. If the Angels want any inkling of an outline for their future, Soriano is one of the few players they should build around. On the other hand, if LA were to get a ridiculous offer, one involving a prospect like Leo De Vries (Athletics), then it may be a conversation.
Q: If you were looking for a used truck, would you consider a low-mileage LBZ Duramax over a 6.0? (@justinarita_)
A: This is an interesting one. It pretty much sums up where the Angels are at right now. Constant bargain-hunting has sent the team into a spiral, leaving them stuck in the cellar of their own division. Don’t choose financial comfort over quality. If you have to, then wait to make the decision. Short answer: The Angels should’ve re-signed Ohtani.
Q: Do you think we will be seeing Kyren Paris and or Christian Moore anytime soon? (@angelsfan1974)
A: The Angels will probably save their big roster moves for closer to the trade deadline. When they sell off veteran pieces come July, there will be plenty of room for Moore, Paris, and any other player who earns a shot. Moore, in particular, has had an incredible start to the year. In 107 at-bats, the stocky infielder has an .891 OPS. That might be nice to have on the big club right about now. Unfortunately, Halo fans will likely have to wait.
Q: Thoughts on Drew Burress being drafted by the Angels? Or another pitcher? (@majorleaguewraps)
A: YES! The Angels need to scrap their lust for pitching. It’s one thing if you’re the Rays or the Brewers, and every other high-ceiling arm morphs into an ace (i.e., Jacob Misiorowski, Shane McClanahan). It’s another when all of your former picks have either conformed to the bullpen due to stagnation, or have simply flamed out. Burress has incredible upside, lots of hype, and crazy pop. In the MLB draft, you take the best available player. If he’s available, it’d be a crime not to call his name.
Thank you all so much for tuning into Fanmail Friday! The Angels have some exciting things to look forward to, even if the rearview mirror looks rather dreary thus far.
Disclaimer : (1) Links of players are property of MLB, MiLB, and Baseball Reference. (2) InsideHalos is a fan-made site not affiliated with Angels Baseball.
