The Los Angeles Angels have made starting pitcher C.J. Wilson available in a trade in hopes of possibly reducing payroll to acquire one of the top free-agent pitchers. The Cleveland Indians made a trade and acquired Brandon Moss today, which could signify more such transactions.
On Sunday it was noted that the Los Angeles Angels were shopping Wilson, likely due in large part to his poor 2014 campaign (13-10 with a 4.51 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 31 starts) as well as his hefty price tag (owed $38 million over the next two seasons). Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports the Angels have "gotten some hits" on Wilson, but would likely have to pay for some of his contract if a trade were to go through.
CBS Sports' Jon Heyman notes the Angels might be trying to trade Wilson in an effort to make a "big run at a bigger pitcher, either via free agency (Max Scherzer, James Shields) or trade." Although Wilson's worst campaign as a starter came in 2014, he's only one year removed from a 2013 season that featured a 17-7 record with a 3.39 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 33 starts (212 1/3 innings). The left-hander was out of action for a month in 2014 due to an ankle sprain and also dealt with a hip issue, which by no means helped his performance.
Teams in need of a left-handed starter might begin to inquire about the asking price for Wilson as well as how much of the $38 million the Angels are willing to eat (if they can be convinced to do so). Heyman writes that Angels suggested they aren't "inclined" to do such a thing, which led a rival general manager to say "good luck" to Los Angeles in terms of getting rid of Wilson.
Some executives might be telling the Indians "good luck" with their current Nick Swisher situation as well. Cleveland acquired first baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss earlier today in a move that many believe could result in Swisher's exit. The Indians seemingly traded for Moss because Swisher is coming off two knee surgeries and the team is likely not confident in his abilities to play defense or be entirely healthy by the beginning of 2015.
"Cleveland has spent time this winter gauging the market for Swisher, and the club might try to see what interest exists for [David] Murphy, [Ryan] Raburn or others," writes Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. "As for Moss, he is eligible for arbitration this winter after earning $4.1 million last year and is under club control through 2016."
Swisher is coming off the worst season of his career during which he played in 97 games (his lowest total since 2004) and batted .208/.278/.331 with eight home runs and 42 RBIs. It's obvious that injuries hampered his performance throughout the year, but the switch-hitter is owed $30 million over the next two seasons, which the Indians are probably not thrilled about paying since they are unsure how he'll be able to perform in 2015.
However, if they're unable to move him they have flexibility with the designated hitter position. If Swisher happens to come back healthy and rebound well in 2015, the Indians can continue to roll the dice with him or hope his trade value increases so they can get his salary off their hands. We'll see if any discussions regarding Swisher come out of the Winter Meetings.
UPDATE: Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto told reporters they "haven't discussed C.J. Wilson at all" with other teams.
