Davis Daniel Among Arizona Fall League Top Performers

The Los Angeles Angels were represented in the Arizona Fall League by several players in Arizona, with right-hander Davis Daniel being one who needed to make an impact.

The 26-year-old touched the Major League ranks this season, making his season debut on Aug. 1 because of a right shoulder issue. The Angels kept his usage relatively low, making just 10 starts from his initial outing.

Daniel made his AFL debut with the Scottsdale Scorpions, and in four starts he totaled a 1.89 ERA, with 25 strikeouts to just five walks. Among starters who logged more than 10 innings pitched, he ranked fourth among pitchers.

He tied for the third-highest strikeout total, and he was the first AFL pitcher to complete six innings in a start.

Daniel’s results during the regular season was a lot about showcasing his four-pitch mix, and he’s since improved on his velocity that was lessened as a result of his shoulder strain that sidelined him.

He was named to the 2023 AFL Fall Stars Game, but unfortunately did not pitch.

Insiders wouldn’t be surprised if Angels dealt prospects for Major League pieces

With around $73.7 million projected salary space until they hit the competitive balance tax threshold of $237 million, the Angels have a fair amount of wiggle room to maneuver in free agency. Those numbers factor in projected arbitration.

But with Mike Trout still on the roster and a solid crop of young players on the big league roster, the incentive to push for a win-now mode is a solid option. Trading away prospects doesn’t signal winning just for the now, because many teams have players on the final year of their current deals that could be contract-extension targets.

However, the case against that is sacrificing long-term assets for short-term gains is a method that the front office has tried to utilize for too long. The Angels traded away a few solid pieces in Ky Bush, Edgar Quero, among their big pieces moved this past season.