Los Angeles Angels are on their track to lose two top players? After Shohei Ohtani, the franchise is probably going to lose the face of the team Mike Trout. The longtime Angkles slugger has been with the team for over a decade. With his dedication and contribution to the team, Trout is now integrally related to the Angels. However, this bond may break this offseason. At least the possibilities are indicating that. But things are not as simple as they appear. There’s a twist in the story.
Trout’s story differs from Ohtani’s. The latter is a free agent this season. But the former is not a and can’t be one, as he is still under contract with his team. Though the 32-year-old centerfielder can’t be a free agent, he can still be traded.
Mike Trout Listed Among the Top Names in the Trade List For This Free Agency?
This is the first time the Angels expressed their desire to trade their star player. As Bob Nightengale once revealed, “The Los Angeles Angels, perhaps for the first time, are open to trading All-Star outfielder Mike Trout if he indicates to them that he wants out.”
However, this process won’t be easy as the player has a ‘no-trade clause’ signed with his contract. So, unless Trout wants to be traded, the Angels can’t trade him. Also, the team can’t trade him to any team they want. Instead, they have to trade him with a team where he wants to go.
After several failures, the team is probably looking for a rebuilding, but they can’t trade the 11x All-Star player easily. There are more obstacles to overcome. Trout has nearly $250 million remaining on his contract and only a few teams can afford him. Considering the amount, it will be risky for a team to have a player who has missed three consecutive seasons for injuries. Though he didn’t miss the entire seasons, a significant part of all the seasons were lost.
Highlighting that part, former Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila once expressed, “Even if he would be willing to be traded and you would find a buyer, you’re going to find a buyer that’s going to want you to eat a lot of that contract. … just based on his injury history you wouldn’t want to pay him that amount.”
However, coming to Trout’s part, this trade seems more troublesome as the player still didn’t reveal any intention to be traded.
Mike Trout Wanted To Be With Angels For The Spring Training
Trout was with the team during every up and down throughout these years. He doesn’t even want to break this connection this year, despite the team’s devastating season. While the rumors of Trout being traded this offseason roam in the air, the player expressed that he wanted to talk to the authorities.
Later, he even revealed that he wanted to stay with the team for the spring training next year. So, it seems that the centerfielder is not interested in leaving the team, this season at least.
The free agency is already on this season, and fans are eagerly waiting for the outcomes of some exciting deals, including Shohei Ohtani’s.
