The Los Angeles Angels Might Trade Mike Trout During The MLB Offseason

By Jordan Long

The Los Angeles Angels sit at 67-77, 15 games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West Division.  They are also 12.5 games back of Seattle for the final Wild Card spot.  Los Angeles will most likely miss the playoffs for the 9th year in a row.  All-Star centerfielder Mike Trout might be on his way out once the season ends.

            Trout has been with Los Angeles since the 2011 season.  He has seen a success at the plate. Trout is a .301 hitter with 368 home runs and 940 RBI’s in his career.  Trout has been an All-Star 11 times, won the MVP of the American League 3 times and took home a Silver Slugger Award 9 times.  It shows how valuable he is to the team. So far this season, Trout is hitting .263 with 18 home runs and 44 RBIs.

            With another disappointing season, L.A. could trade Trout if he decides he wants to be traded in the offseason. According to ESPN.com, Trout said, “When it’s brought up in the offseason, you’ve obviously got to talk about it, and think about it. I haven’t thought about it yet. There are going to be some conversations in the winter, for sure. Just to see the direction of everything and what the plan is.”

            The Los Angeles Angels thought teaming Shohei Ohtani with Trout would equal success.  Unfortunately, it has not.  Ohtani and Trout have played together since 2018.  The Angels have never been to the postseason with them on the team.  Their best finish with these two players was in 2018, Ohtani’s rookie year when they finished 80-82.  Ohtani is a free agent once the year is over and can sign anywhere he wants.  With that Trout could also be gone.

            Trout wants to be part of a winning team.  He has been to the playoffs just once with Los Angeles, in 2014.  That season, Kansas City swept Los Angeles in the Division Series.  Trout had 12 at bats with 1 hit.  It may be best for Los Angeles to deal him to another franchise.  He might have a chance to compete and get a fresh start.

            This will be Trout’s decision in the end.  He has a huge contract with 7 years left on it before Trout hits free agency at the end of the 2031 season.  Hopefully, Trout will make the best choice for his baseball career moving forward.  He deserves to be on a winning team.