Five Transformative MLB Trades
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Deservedly, Mike Trout is the highest-paid player in American professional sports. He averages a career slash line of .305 / .419 / .581, and two AL MVP awards. Not only that, he’s finished as a top-two finalist for the MVP award FOUR other times.
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That being said, Trout’s deal — 12 years, $426.5M ($35.5 AAV) — has the potential to hamper the Los Angeles Angels from adding pieces to the team to help them compete. Especially considering that they owe an aging Albert Pujols two more years and $59M ($29.5 AAV).
Barring an unexpected retirement by future Hall of Famer Pujols, if the Angels want to compete in the very near future, drastic moves will have to be made. The most logical of which has to be trading Trout like the Texas Rangers traded Alex Rodriguez prior to the 2004 MLB season to save their franchise.
Such a move would shock the baseball world. At the same time, it would make any suitors for arguably the greatest player of all-time real contenders within their divisions. That being said, anyone that trades for Trout will be giving up a ton on top of the money. I’m talking MLB-ready players and top prospects.
Realistic MLB Trades
- The Padres and Giants would be real suitors for Trout for the same reasons explained in the Mookie Betts portion of this piece.
- Los Angeles Dodgers – Somehow, entering the 2019 MLB season, the Dodgers managed to shed enough payroll to stay below the luxury tax. Next season, things look even better as they are only committed to close to $123M. The Dodgers could offer the Angels Joc Pederson, who is arbitration-eligible next season and only made $5M this season, and three top-prospects already in their farm system. Pair that with taking on all of Trout’s salary, and the Angels will have a tough decision to make.
- New York Yankees – The Yankees can never be counted out on a player like this and they’d likely be willing to move heaven and earth for a chance at Trout. Realistically, I can see the Bronx Bombers offering Miguel Andujar, top-prospect Deivi Garcia, Estevan Florial, and more on top of taking on salary for Trout.