The Los Angeles Angels are under increasing pressure to break their postseason drought, with <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB insider Kevin Millar suggesting the team may need to consider trading their star player, Mike Trout. As the Angels aim to secure their first playoff appearance since 2014, speculation around a potential Mike Trout trade is gaining momentum before the MLB trade deadline.
Kevin Millar Raises Possibility of a Trade to the Boston Red Sox
Millar publicly questioned the availability of Trout during an MLB Network discussion, highlighting the possibility of a trade to a contender like the Boston Red Sox. He noted,
“Maybe. Did the Red Sox save $260 million when they got rid of (Rafael) Devers? Can you make a deal to get Mike Trout to the Boston Red Sox? Right-handed power, you never know.”
—Kevin Millar, MLB Insider
The Red Sox, currently trailing the New York Yankees by a single game in the American League East, hold the second AL Wild Card spot. With two World Series titles since Trout’s career began, including one as recently as 2018, Boston represents a strong championship opportunity for the 11-time AL All-Star.
Mike Trout’s Commitment to the Angels Despite Challenges
Trout has remained loyal to the Angels through one of MLB’s longest postseason droughts. He signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract in 2019 that includes a no-trade clause, granting him significant control over his future. His desire to win a championship with the Angels and his history with the franchise suggest he is not eager to leave Los Angeles at this time.
Despite his long tenure, Trout has only played in three postseason games, all in 2014. While he has earned numerous individual honors, a World Series title has eluded him.
Financial and Injury Concerns Complicate Potential Trade Deals
Although the Red Sox could offer Trout a platform to contend for a championship, financial factors pose a challenge. Boston recently freed up salary space by trading Rafael Devers, and taking on Trout’s expensive contract, especially considering his injury history, may present a significant risk. Given this, the Red Sox might hesitate to pursue a deal, despite the potential on-field benefits.
Similarly, such a trade would represent a major shift in the Angels’ strategy, as they currently appear focused on their existing roster and young talent development rather than trading their franchise cornerstone.
The Impact of Trade Deadline Moves on the AL Landscape
While a trade involving Trout is not currently confirmed and seems unlikely from the Angels’ perspective, the MLB trade deadline has already seen significant activity, including the Angels acquiring two relievers in a recent move. These changes, combined with ongoing speculation, highlight how active teams remain in pursuit of strengthening their postseason chances.
As MLB teams like the Red Sox and New York Yankees vie for playoff positioning, any blockbuster deal involving Mike Trout would drastically alter the balance of power within the American League.
What Could Lie Ahead for Mike Trout and the Angels
Despite the low probability of a trade at this moment, Trout’s situation is closely watched by fans and analysts given his talent and stature. Should the Angels struggle to capitalize on their young players, pressure may mount for a trade to a contender, allowing Trout to chase the championship that has so far eluded his illustrious career.
For now, the Halos and Trout remain committed to their shared goal, but as the trade deadline approaches, speculation surrounding Mike Trout is unlikely to fade anytime soon.