The Los Angeles Angels are reeling from the loss of two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani after he agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, and fans are hoping to see another star player depart the franchise.
After the announcement of Ohtani’s historic 10-year, $700 million deal, the spotlight fell on three-time American League MVP Mike Trout.
While the 32-year-old has not expressed a desire to be traded, fans are hoping to see him in a different uniform as soon as possible, and they voiced that desire on social media:
It sure feels like the time for Mike Trout to request a trade away from the Angels.
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) December 9, 2023
Mike Trout should immediately ask for a trade and give the Angels the middle finger on his way out. He won't ever win there and now they allowed Othani to walk with nothing in return. Screw being loyal to a poverty franchise. And the fans of the angels should be beyond tired. pic.twitter.com/tGyX4wYLFl
— Just_Rings (@YankeesRings_27) December 9, 2023
Now the Angels said they won’t trade Mike Trout but like that has to change now you would think
— Aidan Doc🧸 (@AidanDoc_) December 9, 2023
Live look at Mike Trout after Ohtani announcement. pic.twitter.com/JaAOjGt07O
— Paul Lesko (@Paul_Lesko) December 9, 2023
We now call upon the Angels to do the honorable thing and trade Mike Trout to the Phillies.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 9, 2023
And yes I think the Angels should absolutely look to trade Mike Trout right now while they might have a chance to recoup some value and reboot this thing.
— Robert Brender (@robertbrender) December 9, 2023
Trout signed a 12-year, $426 million contract with the Angels in 2019, so he’s locked in for the foreseeable future. However, it’s fair to wonder if his talents are being wasted in Los Angeles.
An 11-time All-Star, Trout has spent his entire 13-year career with the Angels, but his success has not translated into team success. Los Angeles has made the playoffs just once during his tenure, getting swept in the ALDS in 2014. The team has yet to make it back to the postseason since then, as its 73-89 finish to the 2023 campaign extended its playoff drought to nine years.
The Angels will be entering a new era in 2024 after Ron Washington was hired to replace Phil Nevin as manager. The 71-year-old brings a wealth of experience after experiencing success at his previous stops. He led the Texas Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, and he helped the Atlanta Braves win a title in 2021 while he served as the team’s third base coach.
Perhaps the hiring of Washington could help change the direction of the Angels franchise and influence Trout to stick around. However, if the team continues to struggle, the calls for Trout to be sent to a contender will only grow louder.
