Angels Trade Veterans, Add Batting Depth Ahead Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Angels are actively reshaping their roster, potentially trading key relievers like Kenley Jansen, Ryan Zeferjahn, and Brock Burke as they look to balance veterans nearing contract ends and remain competitive in the AL West. To bolster their lineup, the Angels have added veteran hitters LaMonte Wade Jr. and Ben Gamel, with Wade acquired from the San Francisco Giants and Gamel signed from free agency, initially assigned to Triple-A to regain form. Wade, once a reliable hitter and fan favorite for the Giants, struggled significantly this season but is seen by the Angels as a low-risk addition who could provide value, particularly as a left-handed bat and possibly returning to the outfield. Gamel, experienced in the American League West, offers positional flexibility and has had some recent offensive success, potentially providing depth or starting opportunities amid injuries to key players like Jorge Soler and Mike Trout. These moves reflect the Angels' dual strategy of managing veteran assets while injecting new talent to support their young core and improve depth across positions. With a five-game deficit behind the AL West-leading Houston Astros, these roster adjustments aim to strengthen the team's competitiveness heading into the trade deadline.