One rumour regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers’ interest in trading for Mike Trout with the Los Angeles Angels generated a lot of noise this offseason as they concentrated on strengthening their starting rotation and adding Shohei Ohtani.
Even though a deal for Trout is doubtful, it was interesting to consider the prospect of Trout teaming Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and possibly Ohtani in Los Angeles. The Dodgers may have inquired about his availability because of that vision.
Although it was still hard to see the deal working out, the source also stated that the Dodgers would be willing to give up top prospects to complete the transaction.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Angels general manager Perry Minasian declared that Trout will be a member of the team in 2024, adding fuel to the flames.
After receiving private inquiries regarding his availability from other large market teams, Angels General Manager Perry Minasian reaffirms that Mike Trout will play for the Angels in 2024.
Naturally, executives and general managers frequently use falsehoods to pressure rival teams into making better offers or to help dominate the market. One such instance is when Dee Gordon was traded immediately after former Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi said he was the team’s second baseman.
However, it is hard to imagine Angels owner Arte Moreno would be willing to sell Trout, especially not to the Dodgers, even if he were available. If Ohtani winds up with the Dodgers, those chances drop even more.
With seven years and $206 million left on his current contract, Trout has a substantial amount left, especially considering his actual on-field performance. He will be under contract through the 2030 season, when he will turn 38, according to that agreement.
The main problem is that Trout hasn’t been well, despite the fact that he is still among baseball’s most gifted players when fit. Over the last three seasons, the 32-year-old has only appeared in 237 games—less than half of the Angels’ games over that span.
With just 82 games played, Trout managed to record a 3.0 WAR season, putting him back on track to become a superstar.263/.367/.490 with 18 home runs, 54 runs scored, and 44 RBI, but hitting those numbers is one thing; achieving them is quite another.
Is there a no-trade provision involving Mike Trout?In March 2019, Trout inked a 12-year, $426.5 million contract extension, making it the highest-paid deal in MLB history as well as the largest in North American sports history. Since then, the NFL has surpassed it with the signing of Patrick Mahomes in 2020 to a 10-year, $450 million contract.
Apart from the monetary aspects of the agreement, Trout was granted a complete no-trade clause by the Angels, which allowed him to veto any trade to any team the Angels tried to make.
Trout might be open to waiving his no-trade clause in order to sign with the Dodgers, but it’s still a small barrier. He might also use that power to compel a spot on his dream squad, as Justin Verlander did at one point this season.