When the 2015 season for the Los Angeles Angels many thought that third baseman David Freese, who had been a catalyst in a late September playoff push would be back at third base when the 2016 season begins. However, general manager Billy Eppler and his brain trust felt that Freese was not the right fit for the Angels in 2016 so they pursued a potential trade with a few clubs in hopes of finding a steady third baseman which the team has been lacking since Troy Glaus departed after the 2004 season via free agency.
What Eppler and the Angels found is the market for a reliable third baseman was too pricy via free agency and many teams willing to trade a third baseman wanted the moon in return.