Reid Detmers certainly hasn’t had the 2024 season he was hoping for. The southpaw has been pitching for the Salt Lake Bees since June, when the Angels optioned him to Triple-A. Nevertheless, he is reportedly drawing trade interest from numerous teams, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN, who lists Detmers as one of many players the Angels have made available ahead of the deadline.
Since his debut in 2021, Demters has made 70 MLB starts with a 4.68 ERA, 4.17 SIERA, and 5.4 Wins Above Replacement (per FanGraphs). The lefty seemingly cemented his role in the Angels rotation by the end of the 2022 season, when he pitched a no-hitter and an immaculate inning, finishing his rookie campaign with a 3.77 ERA and 4.12 SIERA in 25 starts. He led the team in starts and innings pitched the following season, and while his ERA rose to 4.48, his 4.14 SIERA remained significantly better than the league average.
Detmers got off to a strong start in 2024, going 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA in his first four outings. Unfortunately, his season quickly came off the rails after that. Over his next eight starts, he gave up 41 runs (40 earned) in 40 1/3 innings of work. His strikeout rate dropped from 34.9% over his first four starts to 20.9% across his next eight; while he had not allowed a single home run in those first four contests, he gave up 10 in his subsequent outings. Detmers wasn’t allowing any more hard contact than usual, but his average launch angle rose by nearly five degrees, and, consequently, his barrel rate more than doubled. His 4.62 SIERA over that stretch wasn’t awful (seven qualified pitchers currently have a SIERA of 4.62 or higher), but clearly, something wasn’t quite right with the 25-year-old hurler.
It was a little surprising to see a team with such little pitching depth demote a proven major leaguer after eight poor starts. Then again, the last time the Angels optioned him to Triple-A amidst a rough stretch, June 2022, he forced his way back soon after and thrived over the final three months of season (3.04 ERA, 3.70 SIERA in 13 starts). Perhaps L.A. was hoping another quick stopover at Triple-A would help Detmers figure things out. At the time, Angels manager Ron Washington told reporters (including Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register) that he didn’t expect the move to be “permanent.” Unfortunately, Detmers has struggled tremendously for Salt Lake, pitching to a 7.11 ERA and 6.04 FIP in seven starts (38 IP). Most concerningly, he has given 11 home runs to his minor league opponents. His stats look better if you ignore his two worst outings, but even then, his 4.94 ERA and 4.11 FIP at Triple-A are worrisome numbers for a pitcher who is supposed to be an above-average major leaguer.
All that being said, there are, evidently, multiple teams interested in taking on Detmers as a reclamation project. However, considering that he is still just 25 years old and under team control through at least the 2027 season, the Angels would likely only be willing to sell so low on Detmers if either (a) they have largely given up on him, or (b) they are receiving offers too good to ignore.
In additional Angels news, Passan suggests the team is also willing to part with Carlos Estevez, Tyler Anderson, Taylor Ward, Kevin Pillar, Luis Garcia, and Hunter Strickland. The only somewhat surprising names on that list are Ward and Anderson, whom the team was previously thought to be unlikely to trade. That said, Passan also mentions that potential suitors have “soured” on Ward amid his recent slump; he is batting .159 with a 25 wRC+ over his last 17 games. Anderson, meanwhile, has continued to pitch well since making his second All-Star team. He held the Mariners to one run and three hits while striking out eight in 5 2/3 innings in his first start back from the break. His underlying numbers remain concerning, however; his 4.94 SIERA ranks last among all qualified pitchers.
Finally, infielder Luis Rengifo will be reinstated from the injured list today, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Passan did not include Rengifo on his list of available Angels due to his injury status. Now that he is healthy, one would think the Angels will also be taking calls on the 27-year-old, especially if they are willing to trade other players under team control beyond this season like Anderson and Ward.
Jesse Chavez enthusiast
I think it would be a mistake to give up on him so quickly, unless of course they get a lofty offer. It’s not like he’s making significant money or anything.
SODOMOJO
I agree, his ceiling is rather high but current trade value is not.
HatlessPete
And they’re not going to get a lofty offer either. Teams are going to be trying to buy low if their scouting and coaching teams believe that they see a flaw in detmers’ game that they can correct to get him back in form. Since he’s still controlled and relatively cheap it seems like odd timing. Maybe the angels don’t think he’s salvageable and they’re trying to get something out of him while there’s still a flyer/reclamation market for him.
nukeg
State of the Angels: they’re looking to trade young, controllable lefties.
Yep, it’s that bad.
HatlessPete
Lol yeah nuke, not exactly a ringing endorsement for their plans. Almost makes me wonder if Arte has some kind of beef with detmers personally lol.
rottenboyfriend
With the Angel record everyone should be available! Reshuffle the deck!
In nurse follars
If you desire immortality either write a Christmas song or be a left handed pitcher.
tigers182
What do you even offer a selling team who hates their farm system?
HatlessPete
Lol the angels no want ceiling! Only floor!
Dotnet22
Come home to the Cardinals.
Denunzio
good call, Detmers is near top of list for “change of scenery” candidates,
Imagine getting him away from “player development Disaster” Organiz like Angels to a much better organiz. like a STL, Milwaukee or a Boston – breslow and Bost would work wonders with Reid in their Pitch Labs.
Get Reid out of The Anaheim Graveyard, and he will quickly return to being a top half of rotation starter.
Alexpulido7051 2
Am I reading the “Onion”? Does Perry Minasian even know Detmers is being discussed in trade speculation. I didn’t know Sports writers also act as general manager for the Angels. There’s no way the Angels are having discussions to pretty much give up on a Potential Ace or #2 of a pitching staff at the lowest point of trade value
ocsportsgeek
As a die-hard Angels fan, I can tell you for certain that Perry is listening. If anything, the angels are extremely adept at selling low and buying high. This would be right in their wheelhouse.
Alexpulido7051 2
I hope not, but unfortunately that’s the way it seems for over a decade of Angels trades.
Blackpink in the area
I like that he’s a lefty and he has 3 plus years of control left. And yes close to home I like that too. But is he any good? I don’t know I guess it depends on what the Cardinals would have to give up for him. I really dont know what kind of trade value he has.
orange2001
It’s clearly about mechanics with Detmers. If the Angels had a competent coaching staff, they would be able to tinker with his mechanics and get him going again. Detmers has frontline starter stuff but may not be able to reach his potential with the Angels.
carllafong
The angels haven’t been able to develop pitching for more than a decade. Detmers needs the right coaching. But if the Angels get the right price– move him. Move everyone. Trout will ask for a trade in the off season– he’ll have to.
Ezpkns34
He’s someone I imagined the Brewers trying to get and turn around
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
He has all star stuff and he’s already thrown a no hitter so the angels shouldn’t give up on him at his lowest point
Troy Percival's iPad
I don’t know at this point that he’d ever get any better. Chris Archer (for example) always had Ace with a Capital A Stuff and never put it all together. I think this is just who Detmers is.
just_thinkin
Os will fix him.
HalosHeavenJJ
This would be the definition of selling low. I do wonder what he could do in an organization with decent coaching, though.
Ward always starts the year hot, swoons, then gets hot again. He’s looking better his last few games but I understand teams trying to leverage his current slump.
Alexpulido7051 2
Ward is a streaky hitter. When he’s hot, he can carry a team for a while. I see him getting hot again and bring his average and power numbers back up by the end of the season. With less than a week away from the Trade Deadline. The best deals sometimes are the ones not done. Ward could be a valuable middle of the order bat with a healthy Trout and Rendon next year
Alexpulido7051 2
Of course other teams want him. It would be a robbery or a deal! They offer a worthless unproven prospect, a mlb level player that will be out of the league in two years, and a bag of Popcorn for Detmers. In one year Detmers will be their Ace
Blackpink in the area
If the Angels think he can be an ace they won’t trade him. The fact that they are discussing it makes me think they don’t believe that at all.
Alexpulido7051 2
Who says the Angels are discussing? Just because other teams inquire doesn’t mean that they won’t listen. Other teams probably ask for O’Hoppe and Neto too. Unless I hear it from Perry, I think it’s all speculation for headlines
Blackpink in the area
The post isn’t about teams inquiring over Neto and OHoppe its about Detmers. The same Detmers that is currently in AAA.
Alexpulido7051 2
The point is that teams can ask for anyone, that doesn’t mean that the team will trade them. Unless I hear Perry saying that he has been discussing, trading Detmers then it’s just wishful thinking for an opposing GM or sports reporter trying to create a buzz.
Blackpink in the area
All trades are “wishful thinking” until they happen. It’s a week before the trade deadline. What’s the name of this site again?
JoeBrady
Unless I hear Perry saying that he has been discussing, trading Detmers
==========================
GMs don’t usually do that for fear of undermining the player in question.
Pads Fans
LEO, Just say Detmers has had a 6.14 ERA in the majors and 7.11 ERA for the Bees this season. We really don’t need the rest of that gobbledygook about Detmers other than his career numbers. .
wvsteve
To much talent. Angels simply can’t help him anymore than they already have. They need to admit their problems as an organization and make many changes.
aragon
So, the Angels get prospects for him and can’t develop them. That is the stupid logic.
wvsteve
You’re right. They should just keep all their players and continue to do what they are doing. That’s working out pretty good lol
THEY LIVE!!!
Detmers and Trout to the Dodgers for Paxton, Pages, Lux, and a couple of prospects.
AngelsFan1972
They Live
You forgot to add, “it makes sense”
Please please please tell me you are joking.
Halo11Fan
And the Angels have to throw in 90 million dollars.
AngelsFan1972
And a Tommy Lasorda jersey
AngelsFan1972
I am waiting for the first idiot to say the Angels need to package Detmers with Trout
Let’s say the Phillies? god help us
AngelsFan1972
I was 48 seconds late… see THEY LIVE above.
GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ
THEY LIVE!!!
The joke is the Angels and their owner and management,
Blackpink in the area
What about Detmers and Steven Matz for Jordan Walker? The consensus seems to be that Detmers has a lot of talent and the Angels have messed him up. Walker is similar in that regard. I would want out of the Matz deal to cover Walker’s extra years of team control. Seems reasonable to me.
Rexhudler86
@blackpink How does detmers, get to the cardinals? is it through the transfer portal or is the trade simulator broken
AngelsFan1972
@Blackpink put down the drugs and walk away
ok…I have to hear this
So the Angels have Adell and Moniak and you want to add another young outfielder? Not only that you want the Angels to take on Matz contract?
You are overvaluing Walker and not by a little, by a lot!
Blackpink in the area
Adell and Moniak? The Angels are all set in the outfield because they have Adell and Moniak????
Lol ok
Rexhudler86
@blackpink there not set in the outfield, but ward is most likely staying. The pitcher they can give up is canning. Fulmer looks like he can take his spot. Detmers is someone you don’t give up on when the pitching sucks already.
Blackpink in the area
There is a good chance Ward is getting dealt. Addell sucks. Monial sucks. Trout is good when he’s healthy.
Walker has a lot of potential. And he has more years of team control which is important to rebuilding clubs like the Angels.
AngelsFan1972
So you are saying just cast Adell and Moniak aside? They still take up roster space or is that a small detail you happened to have neglected?
Blackpink in the area
Teams need bench guys. If the Angels are talking to the Cardinals perhaps they would do an Adell for Carlson swap. Just like Walker and Detmers they could each use a change of scenery. Teams need bench guys. Moniak is probably a bench guy.
AngelsFan1972
You can’t make a trade hoping another piece gets traded. That is not how the world works.
You are overvaluing Walker. The whole idea on taking on a bad contract is the team taking on that contract gets a higher value player. Right now I would be hesitant to trade Detmers for Walker. It is potential for potential, and then you want the Angels to take on Matz contract as well?
AND.. to top all of that; the Angels have 5 outfielders already.
Neither Ward nor Pillar have been dealt. Come back with a reasonable offer IF or WHEN they are traded
JoeBrady
AngelsFan1972
So you are saying just cast Adell and Moniak aside?
=======================
I’d still gamble on Adell, but Moniak strikes out all the time. How much time do you give the guy?
Blackpink in the area
It’s potential for potential but Walker has 2 years of extra team control. Cheap years.
Pillar is as good as gone. Ward probably gets dealt too.
JoeBrady
What do you expect back for Detmer? I like him, but his trip to the minors is killing his value. I’m not a Walker fan, but I doubt you’ll do any better. Walker is an Adell clone, promoted way too early and badly developed.
AngelsFan1972
Joe
I am not a huge fan of either one,but you can’t throw them away like what is being implied.
AngelsFan1972
Blackpink
The issue is you can’t make the trade unless one or both outfielders is gone. Can you not see that?
And even if they are. I still would want more if you insist on adding the Matz kicker.
Blackpink in the area
I don’t really want Detmers. Just something to talk about.
JoeBrady
but you can’t throw them away like what is being implied.
==========================
Just imho, Walker is nowhere near a throw-away’. I was one of the first to tell the Card’s fan not to over-expect. But he was the #4 prospect just over a year ago, and only just turned 22.
Blackpink in the area
Walker was actually up to number 1 on the prospect rankings for a quick second then he graduated.
His defense was a problem but he did improve that. Now his swing is messed up. He’s still only 22. I am sure he will figure it out how to hit again at some point but his poor defense was always going to prevent him from being a star.
JoeBrady
In almost a fantasy league approach, I would trade a #100 prospect for Walker. His value has definitely declined, but that is sometimes where you find value.
ps-This is exactly the same as Detmers. He is definitely devalued, but the right coach could easily resurrect him as a #3, perhaps a weak #2.
Blackpink in the area
He’s worth more than that. He still has a ton of potential. He’s still young.
Halo11Fan
Walker can’t play defense, but four months ago he was still a huge prospect.
Walker is an interesting thought.
aragon
If Minasian really made him availble he should be fired right at this moment.
AngelsFan1972
@Aaragon
I find it hard to believe that the Angels made him available as well.
Rexhudler86
@angelsfan1972 I doubt it’s true I’m sure people have inquired. The outfield is going to be like the starting pitching was last year I say you try it one more year. Instead of Pilar or hicks get a utility guy that cover every position. I still say get rid of canning for whatever you can get he’s had enough chances, and is just taking up a roster spot at this point.
aragon
I am going by the article and I said if.
Rexhudler86
@aragon I know. It’s agreed bunch of crap.
JoeBrady
I tend to think this is more about other GMs seeing him struggle in the minors and wondering if the Angels were losing interest.
But if this is true, then I’d love to see the RS pursue him. He is a former #1-10, had huge AA & AAA numbers before this season, positive MLB numbers the previous two years, and I don’t see many negatives in his peripherals even in the current year.
Rexhudler86
What people are forgetting is Christian moore can play three infield spots and three outfield spots. Detmers isn’t expendable he might’ve to earn a spot next year depending on signings
angelsbroncosfan
Unless Detmers starts getting the Seattle Mariners strike zone, pitch is called a strike at the opposing batters shoe tops, he will never have ace type stuff. Soriano, has the best pure stuff, out of the Angels young starters. I wouldn’t be opposed to moving him. For the right return.
Rexhudler86
@angelsbroncos Soriano is tricky, he’s definitely the best starter they have, and would be one of the best closers in the game, he lights out for the four innings, and can have hiccups later on. I say keep him, but he’s also one tj from retiring. That’s the tricky part.
wwnw
I watched the Astros/Mariners on Sunday. The “strike zone” calls on Houston batters made me suspect Angel Hernandez was back behind the plate.
erickohli
Gut the whole thing.
Halo11Fan
I highly doubt Minasian could get fair value.
Rexhudler86
@halos11fan if your talking about Soriano you have to ride it out. His injury history won’t give you the return you want. Plus he’s the best thing they have on the pitching side currently.
Halo11Fan
I’m talking about Detmers. Minasian already lost Soriano once. He was lucky to get him back.
aragon
Even if he gets a fair value the team cannot develop prospects. I don’t see any purpose in trading him.
Rexhudler86
@aragon if I was the orioles I would take a bite. He could be a starter and slot into the bullpen next year. He might be able to get a couple prospects in the 20’s. I like Soriano BTW just just saying his arm scares me, and it would be worth the risk for both parties
JoeBrady
OTOH, if the Angels cannot develop prospects, they have no chance of competing anyway.
Rexhudler86
@joe I don’t think it has anything to do with developing it’s the scouting department. Angels are picking the duds in the draft. Not a popular belief, but atleast perry has picked decent 1st rounders lately. The reason why I’m saying scouting is because we haven’t had anything great after bane left. It’s probably something stupid like 5 mlb players out of a thousand.
Rexhudler86
Not trying to blow smoke, but he’s skenes level, but also realistically I doubt he sustains it. Maybe a two year thing. That’s the question do you slide him to a closer and possibly get a extra two years.
Angels & NL West
Given the Angels player development prowess, I would expect them to attempt to acquire major league ready players in any trade.
AngelsFan1972
I agree with you.
They will want MLB ready players.
wwnw
If I were Houston, I would offer up Grae Kessinger. No need to give up him completely either. But I think there is more of a need of Detmers.
Redstitch108* 2
Trade all of them Halos! Rebuild, rebuild, rebuild…
SadHaloFan95
Giving up on Detmers so soon.. I was there for his No Hitter against the Rays. It makes no sense trading him when this team NEEDS pitching. Then again nothing about the Angels makes sense anymore..
Halo11Fan
It all depends on what you get. But somehow I don’t think Minasian could get what he’s worth.
Rexhudler86
@halos11fan who should they trade the expiring bullpen, rengifo, Anderson. Thoughts
Halo11Fan
Trade anyone who was arbitration eligible this year. Meaning everyone with less than three years to free agency.
Provided the Angels get value. I don’t think they can get more for Detmers than what he is worth.
Rexhudler86
@halos11fan that’s why I’m in the keep ward, and detmers camp. The return wouldn’t be meaningful. Adell, ward, moniak need to play better next year or be moved or cut. Probably need a 2nd baseman that play everywhere in free agency. Canning can be moved for whatever he had his chances. Detmers value is probably lower than Canning’s and that’s really low so you might as well keep him, and open a spot for fulmer as someone in the rotation or long relief.
MLBTR needs to hire editors
What kind of punctuation madness is this?
“…Detmers wasn’t allowing any more hard contact than usual, but his average launch angle rose by nearly five degrees, and, consequently, his barrel rate more than doubled.“
“ All that being said, there are, evidently, multiple teams interested in taking on Detmers as a reclamation project.”
There should be NO commas around evidently and there shouldn’t be one before consequently. Come on.