Fanmail Friday Returns: Big Questions, Honest Answers for the Halos
January 16, 2025 - Written by AJ Stone
Free agent Yoan Moncada is on the radar of the #Pirates, #BlueJays, and two of his former teams:https://t.co/6SbkuNxQOm pic.twitter.com/5SyukpwSsO
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 29, 2025
You asked, and we answered! Welcome to the first Fanmail Friday 2026! If you’re new around here, Fanmail Friday is a series that takes place most Fridays, fans can interact with us directly and a member of the InsideHalos team answers your submitted questions from Instagram. Here are some randomly selected questions from the InsideHalos Instagram poll!
Question 1: Is Yoan Moncada still an option? (@bambino.96)
A: It’s not looking like the Angels are going to be in a spot to hand out at-bats. Yoan Moncada was a really productive player in 2025, but with Christian Moore playing an entire season and the signing of Vaughn Grissom, LA doesn’t have room for an aging veteran who would more or less be trade bait.
Question 2: Are we making the playoffs? (@parlay.mayne)
A: To put it simply, probably not. The Angels aren’t building a team to tackle the rest of the AL West in 2026. A lot of these mediocre players are being signed so that the Angels can trade them away at the deadline for prospects or MLB-ready talent for 2027. A good example of what they’re trying to accomplish is reflected in the trade where the Royals acquired starting pitcher Cole Ragans for veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman in 2023. The Angels are looking for their diamond in the rough to complement their already exciting and youthful lineup.
Question 3: Kyren Paris?? He started 2025 so good and then disappeared. (@jj_morales85)
A: Expect a Kyren Paris bounce back in 2026. Young players often go through periods of struggle early in their careers. The league in its entirety is always looking for a way to bring a player back down to Earth. Baseball is and always will be a game of adjustments. Paris is extremely athletic and has plenty of time to figure it out and become a valuable player for a long time.
Question 4: Could we sign Bellinger? (@spectremerki)
A: The Angels definitely have the money to sign Cody Bellinger. However, is it really in their best interest? Until Los Angeles picks a direction internally, why go out and add financially demanding pieces? By picking a direction, I’m referring to contract extensions and a winning record to prove that the proof is in the pudding. Zach Neto is the clear favorite for an extension as of right now, but plenty of other players could take major steps this upcoming season and throw their own name in the hat. Basically, yes, LA could afford Bellinger, but it would hinder their financial flexibility going forward.
Question 5: At this point, do you see the Angels signing at least a mid-level starting pitcher? (@chavalesso)
A: Yes! The Halos will likely be in the market for at least one more back-end starter or long reliever to pair with their current rotation and bullpen. My personal daydream for Anaheim is Chris Bassit. A reliable, veteran starter with playoff experience is exactly what this young Angels core needs.
Question 6: Do you think Gallen is an Angel in 2026? (@joshrockz48)
A: Of all the big-name free agents, Zac Gallen definitely makes the most sense for LA. Going back to what I said about Bellinger, it may not be the right time for Los Angeles to reel in the big fish, and even though Gallen is coming off a very underwhelming season, he’ll still command the big bucks.
Question 7: Projected moves for the rest of this offseason? (@jonah.anderson10)
A: Expect the Angels to add one more depth arm for the rotation that might slot in as a bulk reliever. I would also look out for a buy-low signing on an infielder for the bench. If LA can find a suitor for Jorge Soler, they’ll likely part ways with him as well. His departure would free up DH for Mike Trout full-time and also allow new talent time to shine in the outfield.
Question 8: What happens with Sam Aldegheri? (@andre_u_m)
A: Aldegheri finds himself on the outside looking in, headed into 2026. The Angels have an entire cast of middling signings from this offseason that they’ll likely use ahead of the young hurler. If he doesn’t find playing time due to injury or forced opportunity and or some form of success, Aldegheri may become a trade chip.
Disclaimer : (1) All photos are not owned by InsideHalos and have been given proper credit beneath each photo. (2) Links of players are property of MLB, MiLB, and Baseball Reference. (3) InsideHalos is a fan-made site not affiliated with Angels Baseball.
