Dodgers fans are thankful for Angels, Arte Moreno incompetence over rumored 2020 trade

In most instances, the Los Angeles Dodgers have masterfully worked the trade market, using their smoke-and-mirrors farm system to fleece opposing teams out of their superstars for prospect packages that ultimately turn out to be fool's gold. However, as good as the Dodgers are at manipulating the trade market, they aren't infallible, and in one particular instance, they proved that sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

The Dodgers nearly dealt Andy Pages to the Anaheim-dwelling Angels back in 2020, but were unfortunately saved from disaster by Angels owner Arte Moreno's impatience. Had it not been for that, the club might have lost one of its most impactful hitters in 2025.

The Dodgers owe Arte Moreno and the Angels a debt of gratitude, as Andy Pages is off to an MVP-caliber start

To be fair to Los Angeles, at the time of the rumored trade back in 2020, Pages was sitting on the sidelines with the minor league season canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ranking as the Dodgers' 14th overall prospect, Pages had potential, but his future path was very much uncertain.

A lot of that had to do with his age and inexperience. The Cuban defector had yet to play above Rookie Ball, and though he put on a show in 2019, slashing .298/.398/.651 with 19 homers in just 63 games, he was a long way from the show.

So in 2020, it was hard to project what the then-19-year-old would become. He might've been the next big star in LA's constellation, but he also might've flamed out against higher-level pitching.

Now, we're seeing firsthand what he is as a big leaguer. Through 48 games, he is slashing .299/.351/.514 with 10 homers. His 141 wRC+ is second only to Max Muncy among Dodgers' regulars.

That's not all, though. Pages is an all-around force with stellar defense in center field and speed on the bases. That's helped him to a mark of 2.2 fWAR thus far in 2026, which trails only Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz in the National League.

If he continues this pace, he'll find himself in the NL MVP conversation by season's end. Even if he doesn't, he's begun to establish himself as a player who can contribute in all facets. Guys like that don't grow on trees, and having one who is still only 25 is insanely valuable.

Insane is a word commonly associated with Moreno, and in this case, it is particularly apt. His hesitations weren't financial or related to value. Simply put, he acted like a toddler who couldn't remain patient. The Dodgers are the beneficiaries, as the rumored deal would have been made in order to facilitate the Mookie Betts trade, but thanks to Moreno, they now enjoy Betts and Pages in the same lineup.

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