Goodbye Mike Moustakas, Infielder Traded From Colorado To The Los Angeles Angels

By Jordan Long

The Colorado Rockies made a trade with the Los Angeles Angels.  They sent veteran Mike Moustakas to the Angels for minor-league right-handed pitcher Connor Van Scoyoc.  This is going to boost the Angels’ infield.

             Moustakas is in his 14th MLB season.  The Rockies took a chance on him in spring training because he was a non-roster invitee. Moustakas made an impression on the team so Manager Bud Black decided to keep him for the regular season.  The Rockies thought this would bolster their team with veteran leadership.

            It didn’t help.  Colorado is 31-49.  It was best for Moustakas to be moved so he can be on a winning team.  The Angels are 42-37, 6 games behind the Texas Rangers for first place in the American League West Division.  They are also 1 game back of Toronto for the final Wild Card spot in the American League.

            Moustakas should improve the Angels.  In 115 plate appearances for the Rockies this year, he is hitting .270.  He isn’t a batter who will hit with power with just 4 home runs but he can still smack the ball to move his teammates into scoring position.  Colorado had him as the designated hitter as well.  With the Angels he will not be that unless Shohei Ohtani needs a day off.

            When it comes to defense, Moustakas  played 3rd and 1st base for the Rockies.  At 1st base he was there for 24 games and didn’t have an error.  He was placed at 3^rd base for 12 games but he had 1 error. He may see time at both positions for the Angels when 1st baseman Braddon Drury or 3rd baseman Anthony Rendon need a day off.  There will be times when he is subbed into the games late when the Angels need his glove to help end games.

            This move for Moustakas shows they want to earn a playoff spot.  Moustakas gives them 44 games of playoff experience.  He also won the World Series with Kansas City in 2015.

            For the Rockies, prospect Connor Van Scoyoc is currently in Single A playing with the Tri-City Dust Devils which is the High A for the Angels.  He is 4-3 this season with a 3.63 ERA.  The Rockies won’t know how this trade turns out until Van Scoyoc goes up the farm system. Colorado hopes this trade works out. 

At least Moustakas has a chance to be part of a winning team with the Angels.  Colorado was smart to give him that chance since the Rockies aren’t going anywhere this season. Plus they received something back, a pitcher who will be part of their farm system.