As usual, all signs point to the Angels toeing the line this offseason in terms of contending. Owner Arte Moreno has become notorious for doing just enough in free agency and via trade to claim that the team is trying to win during the upcoming season. Last season, that meant signing Yusei Kikuchi (which worked out quite well) and trading for Jorge Soler (which did not work out very well). This offseason appears that it will be more of the same, with insiders mentioning Moreno will not be looking to break the bank.
And while the trade rumors surrounding outfielders Jo Adell and Taylor Ward have mostly been reported as a move to fill holes on the big league roster such as starting pitcher or center field (or both, if they deal with the Phillies), ESPN insider Jeff Passan pointed out that the Angels may be wise to go down a different path if they move on from Adell or Ward.