Should the Angels consider this blockbuster trade with the Yankees?

With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, former Reds and Nationals general manager Jim Bowden wrote for The Athletic his thoughts on several hypothetical trades. Among them: a trade between the Yankees and Angels that would send two Halos players to the Bronx.

In exchange for third baseman Luis Rengifo and star right-handed pitcher Carlos Estévez, under Bowden’s proposal, the Angels would receive outfielder Everson Pereira and right-handed pitcher Ian Hamilton.

Rengifo offers significant upside as a trade target for the Yankees, posting an above-average wRC+ for the third straight season and a career-high 22 stolen bases this season. The outfielder also gets an extra year of team control. While he’s a dynamic offensive player, he struggles defensively.

Rengifo would be joined in that package by Estévez, the American League reliever of the month for June. The closer had eight saves for the Angels last month without allowing a run. In 28 innings this season, Estévez has a 2.89 ERA with 16 saves, 28 strikeouts and just four walks.

Pereira and Hamilton are both currently on the injured list. Pereira was placed on the season-long injured list in June, but he was a solid hitter for the Triple-A RailRiders before his injury. Hamilton was placed on the 15-day injured list in mid-June with a right lat muscle strain, but he offers the team control through 2028.

“This deal doesn’t really make sense for the Angels. Pereira has tremendous power, but his hitting tool isn’t a sure thing, and Hamilton will be 30 next year. A rebuilding team like the Angels needs prospects more than a veteran reliever with a 1.584 WHIP and 4.2 walks per nine innings. Love him for the Yankees, hate him for the Angels.”

– Jim Bowden, by the New York Times

Although this proposed business option has not received Bowden’s approval, it remains a possibility that can be considered.