MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Trade Fits for Angels Left-Hander Tyler Anderson

The trade season in the major leagues is getting ever closer as we approach July. One asset contending teams often look for at the trade deadline is a left-hander. Either for the starting rotation or the bullpen.

LA Angels starter Tyler Anderson got off to a terrific start to the season, with a 2.67 ERA through his first six starts, and a 3.39 ERA in his first 11 outings. He was looking like a top trade deadline target. He's struggled over the past month, however, with an 8.10 ERA in four starts in June.

But Anderson was a two-time All-Star over the previous three seasons, and even at the age of 35, there will be teams that have interest. The Angels are 37-39, but only 2.0 games out of a Wild Card spot. That's a bit of a mirage, however, as there are five other teams to leapfrog first. And there isn't anyone in the game who believes the Angels are true playoff contenders. So Anderson being a trade candidate is a real thing.

Here are three teams that could be top fits, as per Mark Feinsand at mlb.com:

Chicago Cubs

With Justin Steele out for the season, the Cubs are still looking for another solid starter for their rotation. Anderson could be a nice fit, if he's able to turn things around, and the Angels fall a little further back of the pace in the AL Wild Card chase.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have been playing better of late, recovering from a dreadful 16-32 start and dead last in the AL East. They're now 33-44 after a 17-12 stretch, and find themselves 6.5 games of the Wild Card in the AL. Still plenty of ground to make up, and they won't be able to do it if they don't address their pitching woes.

Minnesota Twins

The Twinkies find themselves in the WC chase, just 2.5 games back, even a half-game worse than the Angels. But sitting 20th in ERA, they'll need to find some help for a rotation that thins out fast after Joe Ryan, what with Pablo Lopez out for another two months.

The Angels are still maintaining they don't want to sell as long as they have a shot at a postseason berth, but we'll see where that stands come five weeks from now as the trade deadline is upon us.