It began like a familiar rerun: fans waited, reporters refreshed, rumors swirled. But when the trade deadline clock struck zero, the outcome was less a blockbuster rebuild, more a collective “That’s it?” All the Angels had to show for a deadline that could have defined the team’s direction were some mid-tier relievers, and a backup infielder hitting .152. And when concerns came flying, the management zipped its lips and casually backed out of the spotlight.
However, this is where it gets interesting. Because instead of the general manager taking responsibility for the approach, he subtly pointed upward. “I talk to ownership,” said Perry Minasian, trying to sound routine. However, routine does not come with this much frustration. Perry Minasian’s statement, “You talk about things, baseball operations, ownership… at the end of the day, we felt like this was the best way to go,” looked like a soft pass. Translation: The call may not have been entirely mine.
And that is where Arte Moreno entered the picture—not officially, but unmistakably. The general manager did not throw him under the bus; however, he parked it nearby. Fans saw through the diplomatic language, specifically, with ESPN saying that the Angels had planned to sell expiring deals until a measly one-game win streak made the team hesitate. It is one thing to pivot. It is another to panic.
Now, time to add context to the confusion. The team is currently at four games under .500. They also lost two straight games and are 5.5 games back of a Wild Card spot with four teams ahead of the Angels. The AL West? Forget it—the team is nine games behind the Astros, and instead of picking a side, the Angels hit the brakes and lost the opportunity.
If that sounds directionless, this is because it probably is. Tim Kelly from Bleacher Report was blunt—“the Angels blew it.” Holding onto Taylor Ward and Jo Adell in a market desperate for right-handed hitters made no long-term sense. Instead of getting stars or bolstering the roster for a real push, the Angels stood still, and the largest red flag? Their GM will not clearly say why.
Then came The Athletic’s Grant Brisbee with a sarcastic take that was, yet painfully accurate. He called the team’s deadline approach a “bit,” joking that Moreno just thought to see the fans and media scurry like ants so he could sit back and laugh. “It makes him feel alive,” Brisbee quipped. It is funny, until you identify that it could not be a joke at all. Because if this was not a bit? Then it just could go down as “the most nonsensical, rudderless deadline in modern baseball history.” Tough to argue with that.
Credit: latimes.com.
Speaking of rudderlessness, it is not just related to one missed deadline. It is now shaping up to be the team’s 10th straight losing season. This is not bad luck. This is poor leadership, and for the first time in a while, the blame is not stopping at the management office—it is climbing higher. While ownership’s questionable direction sparked concerns at the top, the decision not to capitalize on a valuable asset added fuel to the fire.
Angels gamble on Jansen and their season despite all signs pointing to sell
When a pitcher is crowned Reliever of the Month in the thick of trade season, logic highlights that his stock could not be higher. Kenley Jansen was not just hot—the star was dominant. In July alone, Kenley Jansen tossed 11.1 scoreless innings, gave up only four hits, and racked up 13 strikeouts. Jansen has not allowed an earned run since mid-June, and the star has converted 20 of 21 save opportunities on the season. This is not just trade bait—this is premium trade gold. Yet somehow, the Angels held onto Kenley Jansen as if a late-summer magic was just around the corner.
That faith could already be unraveling. Anaheim is still 5.5 games out of the Wild Card, and the team is also eight games behind in the division. However, teams like the Phillies, Yankees, and Brewers made vital bullpen additions. Had Kenly Jansen been dangled, there is no doubt the Angels could have landed a powerful return, specifically, with contenders thirsting for backend stars. However, once again, the management refused to commit to a clear path. They did not buy big and sell smart. They just… stalled, and if Jansen walks this winter, the team will have nothing to show for a season that already looks like a wash.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 09: Kenley Jansen #74 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates the final out with teammates against the Seattle Mariners to win 6-4 at T-Mobile Park on September 09, 2022, in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Angels’ 2025 trade deadline was not just confusing—it was revealing. With ownership dodging liability and the management refusing to pull the trigger on obvious moves, the team chose indecision over direction. If the postseason dream fades, so too could fan trust.
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