If the Los Angeles Angels play their cards right, they’ll accept that the long overdue rebuild must commence now. And that starts with trading franchise star Mike Trout.
Before the 2019 MLB season, Mike Trout agreed to a record-setting 12-year contract extension with the Angels worth $426.5 million. The Angels also had rising two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani at the time, so it was hard to envision things going sideways after Trout signed that new deal.
Fast forward to the conclusion of the 2024 season. The Angels haven’t had a winning season since 2015. Ohtani left the Angels to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a $700 million deal in 2023 free agency.
Having finished 63-99 in 2024, it couldn’t be more evident that now is the time to trade Mike Trout. Of course, it’s hard to estimate the trade value of a fading 33-year-old who’s played just 319 games since 2020.
Sam Blum and Andy McCullough of The Athletic spoke to one rival league executive who believes the Angels would have to eat over half the $212 million remaining on his deal to make a trade work:
“Reality suggests Trout is unlikely to leave. Given the age, injury history and financial commitment, one executive said the Angels would have to eat more than half the money just to bring a potential partner to the table. Asked how difficult it would be to move Trout, another rival executive said, “Incredibly.”
Blum and McCullough also noted that Trout has a no-trade clause, so a potential move is entirely in his control. But should a 33-year-old superstar really be committed to a team with no path to contention, when the chance to join a contender is right in front of him?
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That brings us to the Toronto Blue Jays, who are the perfect trade partners for Mike Trout.
After four straight winning seasons and two consecutive playoff berths, the Jays finished last in the AL East with a 74-88 record. GM Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider were retained despite the disappointing season, but they’re sure to be let go if next season goes sideways. Which is why they need to go all-in and acquire Mike Trout.
Toronto lacks game-changing bats outside of franchise stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. A healthy Trout could be the difference-maker to get this team back into contention, so he’s absolutely worth taking a chance on.
A Mike Trout Trade Idea Where Everybody Wins
The Angels will have to eat up a considerable amount of cash on Trout’s contract. But if that means securing a quality return for the three-time AL MVP, so be it.
Assuming Los Angeles will eat some money, a fair trade proposal would be outfielder Daulton Varsho, struggling pitcher Alek Manoah, prospects Ricky Tiedemann and Charles McAdoo.
The Angels get four pieces to help their rebuild. The Jays get a future Hall of Famer to bolster the lineup. It’s a win-win for all parties.
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