The Los Angeles Angels will enter a pivotal offseason soon.
They would love to convince Shohei Ohtani to sign a large deal to stay in LA when the World Series ends.
That seems easier said than done, though, because the Angels haven’t been able to make the postseason once since Ohtani joined the team in 2018.
He has stated he wants to win, and if history is any proof, well, the Angels won’t put him in the best position to do that.
If Ohtani ends up leaving, Mike Trout will remain the only star in a dysfunctional organization with a depleted farm system and the Anthony Rendon problem (huge contract plus a bad attitude).
A weekend report suggested, however, that LA might be willing to move Trout in a trade if the players requests one.
The Angels are open to moving Mike Trout if he seeks a trade, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/49f3GeuzOF
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 10, 2023
Fans, of course, reacted to the news on Twitter.
Some of them, as expected, started lobbying for their favorite teams to make a run at Trout.
yep, he’s a Philly.
— Madison Mallards (@MadisonMallards) September 10, 2023
Future Brave Mike Trout.
— Dan (@BestFightPicks) September 10, 2023
Others, however, are pointing out an important aspect of potential or hypothetical trades: the contract is almost as important as the player’s quality.
From 2012-15, Trout was the single most valuable baseball player in the world because he was the best player in MLB making very little money.
Now, Trout is making $35.4 million per season until he is 38 years old, and recently turned 32.
Some fans correctly point out that moving Trout might prove problematic for the Angels: they might not get a good return.
I would need to dig in a bit but on the surface that contract would be a tough one for me to take on if I’m a GM – not because of ability or what he could do if he played 150+ per year…but simply because it’s hard to imagine him averaging more than 110-120 (which sucks).
Maybe…
— FRΞNCHIΞ (@ethFRENCHIE) September 10, 2023
Trout remains a top hitter when healthy (.858 OPS in 2023, .999 last year) but his best years are probably behind them.
Still, he could remain an impact hitter for at least four or five more seasons.
Will he ask for a trade?
Will there be a team willing to take on his contract?
We will see.
Why would anyone want to play for that franchise. Wasting Trouts best years. MLB should find them.
— James Smith (@TheRealJRS87) September 10, 2023
One thing is certain: fans would love to see him leave the Angels.
NEXT: The Angels Have A Brutal Record With Their 2 Legends
