Angels to Sign Josh Hamilton; Trade for R.A. Dickey Next?

There is word Thursday afternoon that the Angels are set to make another huge free agent splash, signing Josh Hamilton to a  five-year deal, a year after surprising the baseball world with a ten-year deal for Albert Pujols. This could have a ripple effect for the Mets.

You see, the Angels outfield is very crowded. With Hamilton and Mike Trout taking two of the three spots, and Vernon Wells untradeable, there is speculation that they could deal Peter Bourjos or Mark Trumbo. The Angels reportedly like R.A. Dickey, and the Mets need an outfielder, so…

I identified Bourjos last month as a possible trade target for the Mets. He is only 25 years old and is an excellent defensive center fielder. He had a good 2011, hitting 16 homers and batting .271 with 22 stolen bases. However he had a down 2012. I would not trade Dickey straight-up for him, but throw in a couple of high-end prospects and I might make the deal.

Trumbo is another story. I would make that trade in a second, although I suspect the Angels would want more than just Dickey for him.  Trumbo hit 29 and 32 home runs in his first two full seasons. At 27, he will just be entering his prime next year. If he is available, the Mets should send Dickey and another prospect to the Angels for him. Trumbo could be the “difference maker” for whom Sandy Alderson has been pining.

I’m not sure what this means for the Rangers interest in Dickey. Losing Josh Hamilton could stop them from dealing Mike Olt or Leonys Martin, the two top prospects the Mets reportedly want for Dickey.

All I know is the trade market for R.A. Dickey just got a lot more interesting.