Los Angeles Angels: Possible Trades for Mike Trout
By Jason Reed
Los Angeles Dodgers
Mike Trout wouldn’t really have to move, as the Dodgers are right down the freeway from his current home with the Angels. While I see pride being the primary reason this deal doesn’t happen, the Dodgers do have the assets to acquire Trout. Adding Corey Seager to the deal seems like a no-brainer to acquire Trout, but I think the Dodgers can do it without throwing Seager into the mix. Will this deal get done? Probably not, as the Dodgers are banking on their farm to succeed in the future, but it is possible.
First, a pair of pitching prospects would be dealt to the Angels. Julio Urias and Jose De Leon would have to be included in this deal, and would instantly boost the Angels’ pitching staff. De Leon may not be a star yet next season, but Julio Urias is showing signs of breaking out and could do so this year. Along with those two, first base prospect Cody Bellinger would need to be in the mix. Bellinger is ranked 32nd, and can play first or the outfield. Also, a big league talent needs to be added. The two most logical trade chips would be Yasiel Puig or Yasmani Grandal, though Grandal seems more likely.
The Angels need a catcher and would get that with the power-hitting Grandal. Grandal led catchers in home runs last season, and is still progressing at and behind the plate. Grandal would instantly start, along with Urias and possibly De Leon. Bellinger could patrol the outfield as early as 2017 or play first, allowing the Angels to trade C.J. Cron for even more young talent. While the Red Sox deal definitely seems more enticing, this could also be a possibility.