Angels Should Move Reid Detmers and Jose Soriano

Why a Sale Makes Sense

The Angels sit at the bottom of the AL West and will miss the postseason for the 12th consecutive year. With only two weeks left before the trade deadline, the club has little to lose and a lot to gain. Even Mike Trout has signaled that he does not want to remain with the organization that drafted him. The front office must be prepared to move assets that could accelerate a long‑overdue rebuild.

The recent stance from MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand underscores the appeal of certain arms. “[Reid] Detmers and [Jose] Soriano are both arbitration‑eligible for two more seasons, and nothing gets buyers more excited than controllable pitching,” he wrote. He added that if the Angels can convince owner Arte Moreno to sell, these two pitchers would draw strong interest and solid returns.

Evaluating the Arms

Reid Detmers has been a steady middle‑of‑the‑rotation option in 2026. He posted a 4.16 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 114.2 innings. His command issues keep him from elite status, but his durability makes him a reliable commodity.

Jose Soriano entered the season with a 25.2‑inning scoreless streak and now owns a 3.49 ERA in 20 starts. He can fit into a postseason‑contending rotation and brings a fresh gimmick to the market. Both players are under contract through the 2028 season, giving potential acquirers long‑term control.

Is Their Value Worth a Trade?

The question remains whether either pitcher commands more than a few mid‑tier prospects. Detmers’ ERA and strikeout numbers suggest he is a solid but not elite arm. Soriano’s low ERA and recent streak add intrigue, yet both are likely to fetch a package of prospects rather than a top‑tier talent.

Acquiring quality prospects could jump‑start the Angels’ rebuilding effort, which has lingered far too long. Even if the returns are modest, the move would signal a shift in the franchise’s approach and could free up payroll for future signings.

Next Steps for Los Angeles

The Angels have been hesitant sellers in recent seasons, but the current context demands a different philosophy. Convincing Arte Moreno that selling is the right path could unlock realistic assets for rebuilding. Moving Detmers and Soriano would be a logical first step toward reshaping the roster and finally returning to contention.