“Mike Trout is not getting traded. 100%”; how certain is that? While the Angels have the image of being a “sad-sack team”, they are adorned with an amazing player in #27. On one hand, his past performances and synergy with his former teammate Shohei Ohtani displayed the wonders he is capable of. On the other, he carries a reigning history of injuries. Are Trout’s hands tied?
In a recent exclusive interview with Essentially Sports, former New York Mets GM Steve Phillips opened up about the possibilities of the 11x MLB All-Star considering a trade. Not only did he share his opinion on the discussion but also shared the rationale behind it. However, one question still stands : Will Mike Trout consider a trade?
Well, to begin with, Phillips said, “If I were Mike Trout I would want to get traded”. He then went on to shed light on two primary reasons. One was the health and financial implications of having to move Trout around. The other was an ownership-related concern. These are critical considerations for both the 9x Silver Slugger award winner and the Halos.
Angels GM: ‘Mike Trout is not getting traded, 100%’ https://t.co/Vbklh55Fys
— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) December 5, 2023
Looking at the history of Trout’s health, “the problem is right now that he’s been hurt so much and his contract still has so much money on it that I think they might have to eat you know close to to a 150 million dollars or 100 million dollars if they want to trade him.” LA would have to pay the acquiring team a sum of 100 million just to take the other 150 million that Trout is bound to receive. This poses a serious doubt on if there’s going to be a deal made for him at this point.
As he spoke with Essentially Sports further, he shared, “The other thing is that the owner had the team for sale two off seasons ago and then last off season pulled it off the market.” It is ambiguous for how long the owners would stick around. With that uncertainty lingering, Trout excelling in the Angels implies uncertainty too.
Phillips predicted in the exclusive interview that, “I don’t see them[the Angels] winning any time soon”. With that, it becomes clear why Trout would want to trade out. But the inaction on the part of both the team and the player himself, might mean something else.
Will There Be a Happy Ending?
The center fielder has a full no-trade clause in his contract. Not to mention a seven year and roughly $250 million remaining. So, despite the fact that Trout is a great player, a trade would be a tough needle to thread. As per cbssports.com “Only a few teams would be willing to take on most, let all alone of that money, and Trout was in complete control with his no-trade clause”.
2023 has been super disappointing for the 32 year old slugger. Perhaps the worst in his career. He recorded a .263/.367/.490 batting line and 18 home runs in 82 games. But he had a premature exit from the season due to a broken hamate. Although the 3x MVP returned to play one game during the end of August, he was shut down and the Halos were out of contention. One can only hope that Trout’s tenure has a happy ending.
