Pederson trade to Angels is off, Eppler says

ANAHEIM -- After the reported deal with the Dodgers that would have sent outfielder Joc Pederson and right-hander Ross Stripling to the Angels fell through on Sunday, general manager Billy Eppler released a statement on Monday.

"There are a lot of components in deals that need to be satisfied before you get to a point where you are calling players and informing them. We weren’t able to get to that point," Eppler said. "And in fairness to our players and players with other organizations, we won’t comment further than that.”

The proposed trade, news of which broke late Tuesday night, would’ve also sent infielder Luis Rengifo to the Dodgers as well as at least one prospect, while the Angels would’ve also received prospect Andy Pages. But after the original three-way trade between the Dodgers, Red Sox and Twins fell through because of Boston’s concerns with right-hander Brusdar Graterol’s medicals, the three clubs had to rework their deals. The Angels then called off their trade with the Dodgers, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal.

Pederson and Stripling would’ve been good fits for the Angels, as Pederson would’ve brought power from the left side as a leadoff hitter and likely would’ve formed a platoon with Brian Goodwin in right field. Stripling, an All-Star in 2018, would’ve joined the rotation and would’ve been under team control through 2022.

The Angels now must decide what to do with Rengifo, as there’s a chance he could still be traded for pitching help. Rengifo, 22, is expendable after the signing of Anthony Rendon, the emergence of David Fletcher and Tommy La Stella’s breakout 2019 during which he was named an All-Star.

If the Angels don’t make a trade for pitching, there will be a competition for the final spot in the rotation. Right-hander Matt Andriese is stretched out to start but could still move to relief, while other candidates include Patrick Sandoval, Jaime Barria, Jose Suarez and Dillon Peters. Félix Peña is also in the mix but might not be ready for the start of the season after undergoing right knee surgery in August.

Goodwin is now the favorite to be the starting right fielder with top prospect Jo Adell competing for a spot this spring. Adell, ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline, is likely to open the year at Triple-A Salt Lake but can’t be ruled out from making the team if he has an impressive spring.