The Case for the Tank: Why Losing Now Helps the Angels

As Sports Illustrated first reported, the Los Angeles Angels have ensured they will suffer more losses than the Kansas City Royals after dropping their 2026 home finale to the Minnesota Twins in an 8-0 shutout.

While the Angels are unlikely to surpass the Colorado Rockies for the worst record in Major League Baseball, finishing ahead of the Oakland Athletics in losses provides significant strategic advantages. Under the current draft lottery structure, the Angels are among the bottom three teams, which gives them a 19.1% probability of landing the first overall pick in the 2027 MLB draft.

Beyond the first round, draft order for rounds two through twenty is determined by the worst record. Finishing last in the AL West allows the Angels to pick before the Athletics 19 times, ensuring they can secure desired talent while preventing a division rival from doing the same. Additionally, a lower finish increases the team's draft slot money; Sports Illustrated notes that the difference between the second and third highest pools last year was approximately $1.65 million, a gap that can influence the signing of elite talent.

Furthermore, finishing with more losses than the Athletics secures higher waiver wire priority. This is critical as teams must set rosters for the Rule V draft in November. Sports Illustrated reports that organizations such as the Dodgers, Brewers, and Rays will likely place several players on waivers, and the Angels would benefit from picking before the Athletics. The outlet points to left fielder Wade Meckler, a successful waiver wire pickup, as a prime example of the value of this strategy.