The Los Angeles Angels are well out of postseason contention and don't have much hope of bouncing back into contention next season.
However, they have been linked to a potential match in free agency, albeit a longshot match. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Halos are said to be able to afford New York Yankees slugger Juan Soto.
"In Soto's case, the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and both Los Angeles teams could likely afford him but are long shots to make a real push," Passan wrote on Tuesday.
Soto would be a huge addition for the Angels. While he alone wouldn't make them a true contender, adding him would be a good start, no matter how unlikely it is that they sign him.
He is having a strong season with the Bronx Bombers and is likely to command a record contract. The 25-year-old is hitting .296 with 37 home runs, 95 RBI, and a 1.027 OPS.
If the Angels can afford him, it would be smart for them to at least try to land him rather than not pursue him at all. He may ultimately prefer to play for a winner rather than join a rebuilding team, but if the Angels want to get out of their rut, it would be smart to at least try to sign him.
Passan notes that the Yankees and New York Mets are the most likely suitors for Soto this coming Winter. But it will be interesting to see what the Angels will decide to do, especially if they can potentially afford the young slugger.
More MLB: Shortstop makes plea for Mets to sign $500 million superstar: 'He'll help us a lot'
