Here is the main reason why the Los Angeles Angels HAVE to buy at the trade deadline, and ideally more than a week before: Strength of schedule. The Angels have the seventh hardest strength of schedule in the second half of the year. As soon as the All-Star break ends, the Halos play two road series against the 55-41 Philadelphia Phillies and 55-42 New York Mets. The Angels get to play the five best teams before the end of the year in Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers! Yay!
The Angels cannot tank for another top-ten draft pick and their prospects stink anyway, might as well push whatever chips they have in for anybody who could help improve this decimated rotation.