The Angels Are Being Encouraged To Trade Mike Trout

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated May 4, 2026 9:32 AM ET

Mike Trout is off to his best start in years.

The Los Angeles Angels center fielder is hitting .258 with 10 home runs and 21 RBI, with an OPS of .983 - the ninth best mark in the league. He's healthy and playing good defense, too.

The Angels, though, are 13-22 on the season. They are nowhere near contending. Despite Trout playing at an MVP level, the Angels look like they will be sitting at home come playoff time, once again.

While Trout has remained loyal to the Angels throughout his career, it's time to trade him, says one prominent MLB columnist.

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 24: Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout (27) gets high fives in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the MLB game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on April 24, 2024 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Keith Law of The Athletic is arguing that it's time for the Angels to trade Trout, given how well he has been playing.

"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.)," he wrote.

"Trout’s mega-deal has about $178 million remaining over four-plus years, a contract that, as recently as last fall, looked like it was going to be underwater the rest of the way for the Angels. They locked up the best player in franchise history multiple times to deals where he probably left some money on the table, but haven’t built a contender around him, even when they arguably had the two best players in baseball on the roster at the same time."

The Angels could get a huge return for Trout

Law believes that the Angels will probably have to pay a chunk of Trout's remaining contract in order to get some serious prospects back.

He believes the Phillies could be the ideal landing spot, too.

"The most obvious trade partner is the Phillies, who need help in the outfield corners and would get an immediate bump from bringing a local star (he’s from Millville, New Jersey, not too far from Philly, and is a diehard Eagles fan) back home. Their GM, Dave Dombrowski, has always loved acquiring big-name players, and isn’t afraid to trade prospects to try to boost the major-league team. The Phillies just fired manager Rob Thomson, which doesn’t exactly change their outlook for the season but does signal that they’re in win-now mode. And they can probably take on a good portion of Trout’s contract," he wrote.

Do you see Trout getting traded?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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