Could a surprising move from a division rival be the key to unlocking the Los Angeles Angels' pitching woes? The Angels are clearly aiming to bolster their starting rotation before the offseason concludes, but landing top-tier arms like Framber Valdez or Zac Gallen seems like a long shot. Instead, their strategy has revolved around 'projects' – players like Grayson Rodriguez, Josh Lowe, and Vaughn Grissom, with the hope that a change of scenery will reignite their careers. It appears their most realistic path to upgrading the rotation involves finding a 'change-of-scenery' candidate rather than a proven ace. And this is the part most people miss: the Houston Astros, a division rival, might have just presented them with a golden opportunity.
Much like the Angels, the Astros have also been dabbling in the 'project' approach to fill the void left by Valdez. While Tatsuya Imai represented a significant gamble, their recent acquisition of Kai-Wei Teng through a trade has led to a surprising roster decision: they've designated J.P. France for assignment.
France emerged as a late bloomer for the Astros, making his Major League debut at the relatively advanced age of 28 in 2023. That debut season was quite promising, as he posted an impressive ERA of 3.83 over more than 136 innings. It genuinely seemed like he was on his way to becoming a stable fixture in Houston's starting rotation. However, a shoulder injury significantly disrupted his 2024 season. His ERA skyrocketed to 7.46 across just 5 starts before he was eventually shut down. Although he made a couple of appearances for the Astros late last season, it became evident that the organization had largely moved on, viewing him as a secondary option.
J.P. France could be an ideal buy-low candidate for the Angels.
It's crucial to consider the current circumstances of the Angels and the season ahead. While adding an established starting pitcher would undoubtedly propel them closer to contention in the AL West, there's been no indication that the front office has the budget to pursue such a high-profile acquisition. This is precisely why pitchers like Valdez or Gallen remain distant dreams for the Angels.
This is where France becomes an intriguing possibility for their rotation. He appears to be healthy, and his fastball velocity at the end of the 2025 season, clocking in at 93.4 mph, was remarkably close to his rookie season mark of 93 mph. If the Angels can recapture the form of the France who found success in 2023, it would represent a highly cost-effective solution to their pitching needs. Or, at the very least, he could become a valuable trade asset by the trade deadline this coming August.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is relying on a pitcher coming off a significant injury and a subsequent poor performance a wise strategy for a team desperate for wins? Or is it a calculated risk that could pay off handsomely? What do you think – should the Angels pounce on this opportunity, or are there better options out there?
