Los Angeles Angels saw best laid plans go awry once again in 2018
By David Hill
The Los Angeles Angels have the best player in the game
If the Los Angeles Angels are seriously going to rebuild, then Mike Trout needs to go on the trade block.
Of course, that is easier said than done. Trout is, undeniably, the best player on the planet right now. He is a generational talent, a player whose comaprisons to the likes of Mickey Mantle, Ken Griffey Jr., and Hank Aaron are not hyperbolic. Almost by himself, Trout has been able to keep the Angels within striking distance of contention, or at least around .500.
However, his greatness, while helping the Angels remain relevant, is also a bit of a curse. Los Angeles cannot just throw in the towel on a season with him on the roster. Instead, they keep applying Band-Aids to the problem, trying desperately to return to the playoffs while he remains with the Angels.
Trading Trout is a double edged sword. While he would bring back an impressive haul of prospects, virtually every one of those would need to hit. Otherwise, moving Trout, no matter what the return would look like at the time, would be a complete disaster. Yet, he is also slated to become a free agent at the end of the 2020 season, unless the Angels open the vaults to sign him to a long term extension…
The Los Angeles Angels have an elephant in the room when it comes to Mike Trout. His greatness is helping them remain relevant, but that may actually be hurting them long term.