In a strategic move, the Los Angeles Angels reacquired slugger C.J. Cron and outfielder Randal Grichuk from the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. This trade aims to reinforce their injury-ridden roster with more veteran depth as the team strives for a playoff spot.
Minor league pitchers Mason Albright and Jake Madden were sent to the Rockies as part of the deal. In addition to Cron and Grichuk, the Rockies are also sending $3,701,613, effectively making the Angels responsible for $2 million of the players’ remaining salaries.
The Angels, with a 55-51 record, have been battling to end their Major League Baseball-worst streaks of seven consecutive losing seasons and eight consecutive non-playoff seasons. However, these efforts have been jeopardized by injuries.
Outfielder Taylor Ward was the latest player to join the Angels’ injured list, which leads the Major League with 17 players, effectively ending his regular season with facial fractures.
Cron, 33, played his first four major league seasons with Los Angeles. He is hitting .260 with 11 homers and 32 RBIs this season for the Rockies. Grichuk, selected by the Angels one pick before Mike Trout in the 2009 draft, is batting .308 with an .861 OPS in 64 games this season for the Rockies.
The Angels have been actively trading to make a playoff run during the final season of Shohei Ohtani’s contract. They have acquired six veteran major leaguers since late June, signaling a determined effort to make a significant impact in the playoffs.