Angels agree to MLB deal with RHP Plesac (source)

December 31st, 2023

ANAHEIM — The Angels are set to add some starting rotation depth before the start of the new year, as they reportedly agreed to terms with right-hander veteran Zach Plesac on a Major League contract, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. The club has not confirmed the deal, however, and the terms are not yet known.

Plesac, 28, is coming off a rough season with the Guardians, as he posted a 7.59 ERA with 15 strikeouts and five walks in 21 1/3 innings. He also had a 6.08 ERA with 71 strikeouts and 43 walks in 94 2/3 innings with Triple-A Columbus and was outrighted off the 40-man roster in June.

Plesac, though, fared better in his first four seasons in Cleveland from 2019-2022, going 25-26 with a 4.04 ERA and 345 strikeouts and 118 walks in 445 1/3 innings. His best year was the shortened 2020 season, which saw him post a 2.28 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings. The Angels are counting on a bounce-back year from Plesac, who is regarded as having solid control and is a terrific fielder.

Plesac adds depth to a rotation that includes Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, Tyler Anderson, Chase Silseth, Griffin Canning and José Suarez. The Angels are expected to pivot to a five-man rotation after utilizing a six-man rotation to accommodate two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who signed with the Dodgers earlier this month.

Losing Ohtani is a big blow for the Angels but they still plan to try to contend in 2024 and have signed relievers Luis Garcia, Adam Kolarek and Adam Cimber to one-year deals, while also trading for first baseman Evan White and reliever Tyler Thomas from the Braves.

The Angels, however, have yet to make a big splash to attempt the unenviable task of replacing Ohtani. They remain roughly $70 million under the first competitive balance tax threshold, so they have money to spend if they want to get near or go above that mark. Historically, they get close to that mark and went above it at the Trade Deadline, only to get back under it in late August after losing several veterans to waivers.

The Halos still could go after a top starting pitcher such as lefty Blake Snell and can’t be ruled out on a slugger such as Cody Bellinger. Adding a bat-first player would also make sense to try to replace some of Ohtani’s production at designated hitter.

And just because they are signing Plesac doesn’t mean they can’t continue to add to their starting pitching mix. Acquiring relief help is also a priority, as the Angels want to revamp their pitching staff heading into next year under new pitching coach Barry Enright and bullpen coach Steve Karsay.