He’s one of the best players of his generation.
3-time MVP.
11-time All-Star.
9-time Silver Slugger winner.
And yet, Mike Trout is faced with one of the most painful decisions most elite athletes must make.
Does Trout, arguably the greatest player in the history of the Los Angeles Angels — or whatever team name they go by now — finish his career at the only home he’s ever known? Or does he traded perennial losing for a chance at something he’s never had and a chance at the World Series?
As Los Angeles continues to reside at the bottom of the MLB standings with a league-worst 17-34 record, the speculation surrounding Trout and his future is now reaching deafening levels.
When asked, once again, about his future and trade speculation, Trout was as honest and blunt as can be.
“I haven’t even thought about that yet. I’m not gonna talk about the trade stuff,” he said.
If the Angels were to consider trading their homegrown star, it may prove to be more difficult than expected.
Trout holds a full no-trade clause and is owed just under 149 million through 2030. He’s also expressed a desire to win in Los Angeles rather than trade them for greener pastures.
Since making his big league debut in 2011, Trout took the baseball world by a storm with a rare combination of power, size and speed. He was not only the league’s best hitter, he was arguably the best defensive centerfielder as well.
But injuries have derailed what once looked like an all-time great career.
Trout has only played in 100 games or more in a season twice since 2020, topping out at 130 last year.
While he’s still produced when on the field, this season has been different.
He’s hitting just .233 on the year, but is posting .400 OBP and ,877 OPS. He’s hit 12 homeruns in 50 games, putting him on a near 40-homerun pace. He’s striking out less and walking more, all while playing good defense in the outfield on a nightly basis.
While it appears Trout has no desire move on — for now — his availability at the trade deadline will be one of the most-talked about storylines as the season heats up.
