It appears the Angels will not have Joc Pederson in their line-up and Ross Stripling in their rotation this season.
Sunday evening, as reports indicate the Red Sox, Dodgers, and Twins have finally completed their three-team deal, it was also reported that the Angels previously-negotiated trade with the Dodgers has fallen apart.
The deal, which emerged last Tuesday evening, was supposed to occur following the completion of the Betts acquisition from the Red Sox concern about health of Twins pitcher Brusdar Graterol delayed the trade the past five days. The Angels were reported to be sending infielder Luis Rengifo and two prospects to the Dodgers in exchange for outfielder Joc Pederson, pitcher Ross Stripling, and outfield prospect Andy Pages. Now it appears all those players will remain with their current teams and are not being dealt for now. We don’t know all the details but it appears the Dodgers or Angels decided the deal is no longer necessary.
The Angels will now go into camp with Brian Goodwin and Jo Adell battling for the starting right field position on Opening Day. Ross Stripling will remain a Dodger, for the moment, and will not be added to the Angels starting rotation. This gives hope to Patrick Sandoval and others to battle for the fifth spot in the Halos rotation. Luis Rengifo will remain the Angels utility infielder instead of holding that same position for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers will now have an outfield containing Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, A.J. Pollock, Joc Pederson, and Chris Taylor. One might assume they may still be looking for another trade partner in the coming days. Ross Stripling could still compete for a slot in the Dodgers rotation but he may not want to get too comfortable being that he was so close to being dealt this week.
We will wait to learn more details about the demise of this deal in the coming days. Both teams can be expected to remain active in the coming weeks.
