Todd Frazier calls on Angels to make major trade deadline moves

Todd Frazier believes the Los Angeles Angels have reached the point where another quiet trade deadline would only delay the changes the franchise already needs.

With interim general manager John Mozeliak now leading the front office, the former MLB All-Star said the Angels should use the Aug. 3 deadline to begin reshaping a roster that again sits at the bottom of the American League West.

“I think now more than ever there’s pressure,” Frazier said on Foul Territory. “I’m not gonna say it’s make-or-break pressure, but it’s go time.”

Team owner Arte Moreno fired Perry Minasian in late June and turned to Mozeliak, who spent three decades with the St. Louis Cardinals and helped oversee one of baseball’s most consistent organizations.

The situation he inherited is far less stable.

The Angels entered the week with an MLB-worst 39-61 record and have not reached the postseason since 2014. Frazier argued that continuing to patch the roster without establishing a stronger foundation would only produce more of the same.

“What’s the difference if you get a bunch of prospects and you gotta wait three or four more years?” Frazier said. “It’s gonna be the same old progress that, ‘Oh yeah, look at the beginning of the year, they’re doing pretty good,’ then it falls off.”

Mozeliak has already acknowledged the organization must consider significant moves.

“We know things have to change,” he said. “And what that looks like, who that looks like, that’s to be determined.”

Starting pitchers Reid Detmers and José Soriano are expected to attract considerable interest because both are under team control through 2028. Either could bring back the type of young position-player talent the Angels lack, though moving them would signal a more aggressive reset.

Zach Neto, Jo Adell and several relievers could also draw calls, but Mozeliak must balance collecting prospects with maintaining some hope of competing next season.

Frazier believes the larger issue goes beyond individual trades. The Angels need tougher players, a stronger identity and someone capable of eventually replacing Mike Trout as the face of the franchise.

“I love Mike Trout, but he’s not getting any younger,” Frazier said. “So, who’s gonna be that next guy that they’re gonna look to be the leader of this team?”

Mozeliak may not have enough time to answer every question before the deadline.

Frazier’s message is that he cannot afford to avoid them.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters