Rebuilding the Halos: A Deep Dive Into Candidates for the Deadline Final Part
July 18, 2025 - Written by Jas Singh
Photo Credit : @SleeperAngels - X
Wrapping up this quick three part series, I would now like to dive into the guys who are most likely to be dealt and can potentially bear some good return. Even if we don’t want to sell it’s important to make some moves that can potentially upgrade the farm.
Yoán Moncada (Likelihood to Get Traded: High)
Like many NBA clubs do with veterans who battle to remain active but can contribute when healthy, Yoán Moncada was an under-the-radar deal. Moncada fits the veteran role well, he was stellar in 2021 on a White Sox team that was so well put together. But, since then Moncada has struggled to stay consistently healthy and produce even when he is on the field. With 3rd base being a big question for the ballclub, the entire year Perry took a chance on Moncada and the results have been mixed. He started off the year slowly hitting only .190 before heading to the IL on April 10th after just 8 games due to a bad right thumb sprain. However, after his return in May, Moncada showed great promise and was right away connecting, even hitting a 3 run homer that proved to be a game winner against the Blue Jays. Many might also remember his 3 run nuke against the Athletics that tied up the game and was sent into the deep outfield trees of Sutter Health Park. Then shortly after on June 2nd, Moncada was again placed on the IL for right knee inflammation after just hitting .237 with a .505 OPS and 6 homers in 30 games.
If given the greenlight Perry should have Moncada as the top guy to deal with the deadline nearing. I don't doubt teams are willing to take the risk on Moncada who is on a friendly 1 year 5 million dollar deal. But, the injuries are something that no ballclub can afford in the crucial months of August and September. A change of scenery on a playoff pushing ballclub like the Yankees or Cubs could ignite something for the 3rd baseman who is still solid defensively and as I am writing this has crushed his 7th homer of the year. His limited recent production and injuries are going to tank his value, but many teams are looking for a low-cost upside that can pay dividends come October. Now for the Angels, it becomes obvious to deal an aging 3rd baseman on a team he truly doesn’t have an everyday place for. It is important that the team starts stacking assets to emphasize years to come with the young core.
Luis Rengifo (Likelihood to Get Traded: High)
Rengifo is another guy similar to Taylor Ward, that no one wants to see get dealt especially seeing him picking it up as of late. Luis Rengifo’s value at last year’s deadline could have warranted some major pieces as he was leading the AL in batting average for some time before his devastating wrist injury shelved him for the rest of the season. This year on the other hand has started rough for the 28 year old infielder. He is only batting .228 with 4 homers and 20 RBIs. His value has clearly dropped as he has struggled making hard contact and his exit velocity is only in the 6th percentile. But, as of late the Angels can market that he has been improving hitting .266 in his last 30 games. The switch hitter still will have teams intrigued with his ability to punch balls against southpaws and his decent speed on the basepaths. Rengifo makes some stellar plays defensively, but has struggled overall with -5 runs saved and an OAA of -3 which shows he does not convert plays an average infielder would.
Similar to Moncada, Rengifo will be a free agent at the season's end and it is important to continue to stack value for a team that is looking to regroup and add long term pieces. A declining bat with negative defensive value shows that the Angels should do whatever they can to upgrade with whatever value he has left. A trade with a team like the Yankees can result in intriguing prospects to help a depleted farm or another strong bullpen piece that can allow Reid Detmers to go back to the starting rotation.
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