The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired superstar outfielder, Mike Trout, in a surprising trade. What did they give up? Are they now a better ball club?
The Tampa Bay Rays began April by making a huge move. After a 3-1 start, management has decided to follow through on a plan that they have been tinkering with since the beginning of the offseason…
It has been reported that the Rays and Los Angeles Angels have agreed on a mega-deal. Mike Trout will be joining the Tampa Bay Rays and the Angels will receive Tampa Bay’s entire 25-man roster.
This move is shocking, especially considering Trout’s recent mega-extension. He was set to be an Angel for life!
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Trout’s contract will now become the Rays’ largest commitment in team history, as they will owe the superstar over $400 million. Being a team with a low payroll, we are left to wonder, how will the club afford other players, and more importantly, how will the club fill out their Major League roster?
The Rays traded their entire 25-man roster!
In a press release from the front office, the club explained that they believe that they can win with any mix of players, as long as they have Mike Trout on the field. They praised Trout’s abilities, as he is clearly the best player in baseball. For now, the team plans on rounding out its Major League roster with players from their Triple-A affiliate.
Will this wild experiment work out?
Personally, I do not think so. If Tampa Bay Rays feel that Mike Trout is the key to winning, then why haven’t the Angels dominated over his tenure in Los Angeles?
In the end, we all should be excited to watch how this plays out. The team took a huge risk by trading players like Blake Snell, Kevin Kiermaier and Charlie Morton. Even though the Angels will be losing Mike Trout, most of their current roster holes should now be filled. Will they have enough talent to challenge Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros?
The Rays have always been known for thinking out of the box and this might be their latest stroke of brilliance. Last year, the club was able to successfully introduce the opener, maybe Mike Trout is their missing piece?
All in all, I wish the Tampa Bay Rays the best of luck in 2019, as they are competing in one of baseball’s best divisions. They will be competing against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, sadly without the help of Mike Trout.
Happy April Fool’s Day everyone.