Mike Trout’s resurgent and healthy start to 2026 has been one of, if not the best, stories through the first month of the MLB season.
After being plagued with injury issues over the last six seasons, the three-time AL MVP has looked like himself again, and it’s been a joy for the baseball world to watch. Unfortunately, as has often been the case during his time in Los Angeles, his production has not translated to team success, as the Angels (13–22) sit last not only in the AL West, but in the AL as a whole.
Because of that, Keith Law, MLB writer for The Athletic, believes the team should look to trade Trout as soon as possible.
“The Angels need to look into trading him right now, as his value will never be higher, and his contract is still a major risk for them. (Trout has a no-trade clause and has the right to veto any trade.) They’re not likely to contend during his contract — it’s not impossible, with the expanded postseason, but the odds are low — and they could use the trade to try to add some prospects while also shedding some of the salary commitment. The Angels could swing a trade that just dumps the salary, but that isn’t going to set the team in the right direction; they’re not going to be able to spend their way to 90+ wins just by using whatever they save from moving his contract. They need to get one or two real prospects back, even if that means paying down some of the sunk cost already promised to Trout,”
The 34-year-old Trout has clubbed 10 home runs and 21 RBIs while batting .258 through 34 games so far this season.
While trade rumors have followed Trout throughout his career, nothing has ever come close or felt realistic enough to move him out of Los Angeles. That said, the organization and player are in very different places now, and the idea of sending Trout to a playoff contender makes more sense than ever.
He would, of course, as Law referred to, need to approve any trade for it to happen. But if a top team came calling the Angels with a strong enough offer, you have to think Trout would at least consider the possibility. Everyone can agree that he deserves another shot at playing in the postseason.
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