With Mike Trout’s latest injury and the possibility of him spending the rest of his career with the Los Angeles Angels becoming more real, the idea of him being traded has been discussed. Despite Trout’s desire to stay with one team his entire career and win with the Angels, the conditions necessary for a trade were outlined. These included the Angels performing poorly, Trout returning to MVP form and requesting a trade, and owner Arte Moreno being willing to include cash in the deal. However, Moreno’s past decisions regarding trades do not make this scenario likely.
Trades involving paydowns have become more common, and some teams might be interested in acquiring Trout at a reduced salary. However, the cost in prospects and money that Moreno would want in return for Trout would be significant. The Angels are currently in a tough situation with Trout and Anthony Rendon, who are earning a combined $75 million annually but struggle to stay healthy. The team’s farm system is also ranked poorly, indicating future challenges even if the team improves before Trout’s contract ends in 2026.
Trout has shown a desire to succeed with the Angels, and his loyalty to the team has been commendable. However, the possibility of him remaining with the Angels and not experiencing playoff success is becoming more of a reality. While Trout’s commitment to the team is respected, the idea of what could have been if he had pursued opportunities with other contenders is discussed. Like Ernie Banks, who never made the playoffs in his career, Trout may be remembered as Mr. Angel, despite his exceptional talent.
As Trout continues to deal with injuries and the Angels struggle as a team, the idea of him remaining with the Angels for his entire career is becoming more likely. Despite his competitive drive and work ethic, the possibility of Trout not experiencing postseason success is a disappointing prospect. While his loyalty to the Angels is commendable, the potential for what could have been if he had pursued trades to contenders is a topic of discussion. As Trout’s future with the Angels unfolds, the baseball world watches to see how his career will ultimately be defined.
