The Los Angeles Angels are very, very unlikely to trade Mike Trout, that much is certain. Our own MLB insider Robert Murray checked on possible trade scenarios, and it just didn't meet his standards. Murray is right in his assessment, as it would take quite a lot for any team to take on both Trout's contract and the possible trade return to acquire a player of this caliber.
However, I live in a hypothetical reality, so no one can really stop me from creating trades for Trout. But before I make the majority of baseball fans lose their collective minds, let me present the information in front of me. The following is per Murray:
"A trade is unlikely for a multitude of reasons. First, Trout is extremely loyal. He signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract through the 2030 season with the vision of retiring with the Angels. He wanted to be in Anaheim, and all indications are that he wants to remain with the franchise. Perhaps that changes if team owner Arte Moreno informs Trout that he's opting for a multi-year rebuild. But Moreno, aside from a historic teardown in mid-August, has always avoided rebuilding and prefers to be competitive."
And there you have it. Trout is very, very unlikely to be traded. He is loyal to his contract, which pays him quite well. But...what if?
MLB Rumors: What a Cardinals trade for Mike Trout would look like
The Cards have an outfield surplus at the moment, but Dylan Carlson and Tyler O'Neill are expendable. Both players are valuable in their own right, and could be included in a potential deal. If not, one will be dealt this winter.
Trout has plenty of value, but for the Cardinals to take on that sort of value, they should only part ways with one top-100 prospect. Hence is their best pitching prospect, and the Angels need that. He's excelled in the minors and is still a year or so away from being MLB ready. Liberatore could slide right into the MLB rotation if called upon. Carlson, meanwhile, is a direct replacement for Trout, and opens up a spot in the St. Louis outfield. It's a perfect swap, if the Cardinals are willing to do it in the first place.
MLB Rumors: What a San Francisco Giants trade for Mike Trout would look like
The Giants have gone star hunting before, and there's nothing stopping them from doing so again this offseason. If they are unable to land Shohei Ohtani -- and they were in his final seven last time around -- it wouldn't be surprising for them to call the Angels about Trout. San Francisco is lacking a key member of their next World Series core. Why not Trout?
Trout would cost the Giants a lot of money, but they are likely to spend that in free agency anyway. Luciano is their second-ranked prospect and top-30 in all of baseball. He is the key piece here. Meckler is nearing MLB-ready and playing in Triple-A as of this writing. Maldonado is only 19 years old and could pay off in the long term, though he is barely in the Giants top-20 right now.
MLB Rumors: What a Dodgers trade for Mike Trout would look like
The Dodgers are the favorite to land Shohei Ohtani this offseason, but should they fail, why not make a play for Trout? Los Angeles saved money last offseason so they can afford his asking price. They also have a solid farm system thanks to Andrew Friedman. It won't be cheap in any sense, but having Trout make the short trip to Dodger Stadium fills a need for both sides. Trout wants to compete, and the Angels would be rid of his contract.
Trout to the Dodgers would sting some, but he would obviously start right away and compete for a World Series in 2024. Cartaya is a top-60 prospect, but is blocked by Dalton Rushing at the catcher position as well as Will Smith. Landon Knack is 26 years old and nearing the bigs. He's a solid rotation starter if the Angels view him as such. Ramos is a Double-A outfielder and just 22 years old. He deserves a big-league shot on a rebuilding team.
MLB Rumors: What a Braves trade for Mike Trout would look like
It would be unlike the Braves to trade for a player with Mike Trout's salary, but it's not impossible for Alex Anthopoulos and Co. They certainly have the young MLB talent to trade away, should they choose. Trout could play any of the outfield positions in Atlanta, specifically left field, as they face a weakness there.
In exchange for Trout, the Braves can trade three players who can start for the Angels right away. Smith-Shawver is their only top-100 prospect and only 20 years old. He's necessary in any deal for a player of Trout's caliber. Grissom is a capable player who doesn't have a spot in Atlanta thanks to Orlando Arcia. Dodd has made several starts for the Braves this season and could slide into the Angels rotation.
MLB Rumors: What a Phillies trade for Mike Trout would look like
The Phillies are the frontrunners for Trout, and for good reason. Trout is from the area and is a huge Eagles fan. Still, insider Robert Murray thinks a trade is unlikely:
"I get it. The Trout to Philadelphia link makes a ton of sense. One of the best players in baseball history returning to his hometown to play for his favorite childhood team. I'm not one to rule anything out entirely. But this trade has almost zero chance of happening."
If a trade did occur, here's what it might look like.
Painter is the top prospect Dave Dombrowski has to offer, and he's not afraid to deal from his cupboard. The only problem is that Painter is injured, and possibly out until the middle of next season. Still, he's valuable enough to make this hypothetical deal a reality. Wilson is a Double-A outfielder who could partially fill Trout's shoes. Aldegheri is a prospect in the Phillies top-30, and a young pitcher at that. Sign us up.
