ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Los Angeles Angels searched long and hard for a power hitter to help replace Kendry Morales, but wound up landing a front-line starting pitcher.

The Angels acquired Dan Haren from the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday in exchange for pitcher Joe Saunders, two minor league pitchers and a player to be named.

"At this point, being on the West Coast has a lot of value to me, being near my family and going to a ballclub that is dedicated to winning," Haren said after Arizona's 10-inning loss to San Francisco. "I am really excited about going there and having a chance to win."

A three-time All-Star, Haren was one of the most prized pitchers available as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaches, has averaged 15 wins over the past five seasons and was tied for the National League lead with 141 strikeouts. He also had allowed more hits (161) than any other pitcher in the NL.

Angels starters already lead the majors in innings pitched and have pitched six innings or more in 10 consecutive games. The Angels are tied for third in the AL with 56 quality starts.

"We really feel good about our starting five moving forward," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "This is a huge opportunity for us to upgrade not only now, but for the next couple of years. He's definitely a guy who has pitched in big games, has terrific stuff and he's a young veteran."

Saunders was stretching with his teammates before Sunday night's game against the first-place Texas Rangers when Scioscia pulled him off the field to meet in his office with general manager Tony Reagins. Later, Saunders, who lives in Arizona, choked up while speaking with reporters.

"I thought he was going to say, 'Hey, we need you to go on three days' rest,' but Tony was in the office and, you know, it's hard," said Saunders, who spent eight years with the Angels' organization. "It's part of the game. I totally understand. It's a business. It's just tough leaving the guys."

The Diamondbacks also receive reliever Rafael Rodriguez, who has been up and down with the Angels the past two seasons, and 21-year-old left-hander Patrick Corbin, a second-round pick in 2009, who was in Class A Rancho Cucamonga.

According to The Arizona Republic, the player to be named is Class A left-hander Tyler Skaggs, one of the Angels' top prospects.

With a starter and two solid prospects, the Diamondbacks found the right match for dealing Haren.