In a surprising development, the Los Angeles Angels have expressed their willingness to trade their All-World outfielder, Mike Trout, if he requests it.
This revelation comes amidst discussions about the future direction of the organization and the uncertain status of another star player, Shohei Ohtani, who is set to become a free agent.
Earlier this month, Trout hinted at the possibility of exploring his options, stating: “When it’s brought up in the offseason, you’ve obviously got to talk about it, and think about it.. I haven’t thought about it yet. There are going to be some conversations in the winter, for sure. Just to see the direction of everything and what the plan is.”
Trout, who remains under contract with the Angels for seven more years, is in the midst of a 12-year, $430 million deal he signed back in 2019. Despite this long-term commitment, it appears that the Angels are willing to consider trade scenarios if their franchise player expresses a desire for a change.
The Angels are open to moving Mike Trout if he seeks a trade, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/49f3GeuzOF
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 10, 2023
The Angels are facing a pivotal offseason with Ohtani’s impending free agency. Ohtani, known for his extraordinary two-way abilities, has primarily served as a hitter due to a season-ending tear of his ulnar collateral ligament and an ongoing oblique injury.
Prior to this season, Trout had expressed his determination to keep Ohtani in Los Angeles, stating: “I’m going to do whatever I can to keep Shohei here.”
Injuries have plagued Trout’s recent seasons, including a broken hamate bone in his left wrist that required surgery, limiting him to just one game since July 3rd.
This season, Trout’s performance has dipped, with a slash line of .263/.367/.490, his worst statistics since his rookie season in 2011 when he was named the American League Rookie of the Year.
Despite Trout’s individual accolades, including being selected to his 11th All-Star team this season, the Angels have struggled to build a competitive roster around him. The franchise has made the postseason only once during Trout’s career, in 2014, and hasn’t had a winning season since 2015.
The team has made substantial investments in players like Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Anthony Rendon and Ohtani, in a bid to create a championship-caliber roster.
Trout, who was a first-round pick by the Angels in 2009, has spent his entire 13-year MLB career with the organization and possesses no-trade rights as a player with over 10 years of service and more than five with the same team.
Should Trout request that the Angels trade him?
If he does, where would you like to see him land?
Could he possibly be coming back to the east coast, where he’s from, and play for the Yankees? Mets? Red Sox? How about the Phillies? (He is a die-hard Eagles fan after all.)