Los Angeles Angels Now Have Richest Owner in MLB: 8 Stars They Could Target This Winter, Including Tarik Skubal & Japanese Star
Sportsnaut · Jasonburgosmma; Jason Burgos · 2026-09-02T19:03:50+00:00 · nguồn gốc
This week, another major sports team was sold when the Los Angeles Angels were purchased by Los Angeles Rams boss Stan Kroenke. The sale is something Angels fans have badly wanted for years. However, beyond moving on from the era led by Arte Moreno, there is another major pro to Kroenke becoming the team’s new owner.
The NFL owner has a net worth of $24.3 billion, according to Forbes. It now means Los Angeles has the wealthiest owner in the league. Angels fans have seen how teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets have spent for years, and now, with Kroenke in charge, they can join the group and throw around big bucks to become a yearly playoff contender again.
With that in mind, let’s look at nine stars the Angels could target on the free agent and trade markets this summer.
Byron Buxton
Rumors swirled last offseason about the Minnesota Twins moving three-time All-Star Byron Buxton. Obviously, that never happened. However, after another losing season and with just two years left on his contract, it could happen this offseason. Buxton can be an impact player at the dish and in the field. He is the type of proven veteran Los Angeles can really use.
Francisco Lindor
The Mets have a bloated payroll and their owner, Steve Cohen — the former richest boss in MLB — wouldn’t mind cutting some of the fat. While Francisco Lindor is one of his favorite players, he and top star Juan Soto have never meshed. If LA is willing to take on the $170 million left on his contract, New York probably won’t ask for much in return.
The five-time All-Star is no longer in his prime, but he is still a good player who brings leadership and a likable personality to a locker room.
Teruaki Sato
The last time the Angels meant something was when Shohei Ohtani was starring for the team. Well, there is another Japanese star who will be available in free agency this winter. Teruaki Sato isn’t a special talent like Ohtani, but the 2025 Central League MVP is a very good hitter who is just entering his prime. He is the sort of player who would bring life to the batting order (think Munetaka Murakami with the Chicago White Sox) and draw more Japanese fans to Angel Stadium in 2027.
Tarik Skubal
The biggest star on the free agent market this offseason will be Detroit Tigers great Tarik Skubal. Sure, he would like to end up with a winning team next year. But his agent, Scott Boras, will be looking to break records in his next contract. Which means the Angels have a chance.
If Kroenke wants to make a big first statement as the team’s new owner, signing the two-time Cy Young would be that. And he certainly has the money to make it happen.
Devin Williams
To have a chance at being a competitive team, you need a reliable closer. However, there will be few worthwhile options available in free agency after the season. That means LA will have to look at the trade market to improve that spot. One proven pitcher who could be available is Devin Williams.
Yes, he has had back-to-back down seasons, but that’s why the Mets probably won’t ask for much to move the $24 million left on the two-time All-Star’s contract. Unless the Angels feel they have a better option in-house, Williams would be worth the risk this offseason.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
One player the Angels could take a hard look at this offseason is two-time All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr. Yes, he has had an off year, and he doesn’t have a good reputation around the league. However, LA is just looking to get back to the playoffs, not win a championship in the next two years. Chisholm can help achieve that goal.
The seven-year veteran has the talent to be a 30-30 (HRs & SBs) player and can play multiple positions on the infield. He would make the Angels better next season.
Joe Ryan
Twins veteran Joe Ryan is not going to pick up the mutual option in his contract for next season. While he isn’t a Cy Young talent like Skubal, he has two All-Star appearances on his resume and can be LA’s ace next season. While he won’t be cheap, any playoff contender needs an ace in the rotation, and Ryan can certainly be that.
Willy Adames
The San Francisco Giants have several bad contracts they would like to move. One of them is the $155 million still owed to Willy Adames. The nine-year veteran has been a disappointment for the Giants and isn’t a player LA would love to have. However, at the least, he is still a proven power bat. But if SF is willing to include some good minor leaguers in a deal to get his money off the books, the Angels should consider it.