Philadelphia Phillies: Imagining a blockbuster for Mike Trout
Why the Philadelphia Phillies should swoop in and try to get Mike Trout.
The Los Angeles Angels are 10-22 and currently sporting the worst W-L% (.313) in the American League. So, humor me for the next 300 words or so as I delve into the world of the imaginary. Join me, as I travel to a place in which the Halos trade Mike Trout to the Philadelphia Phillies.
As it currently stands, the Angels owe Mike Trout approximately $377M (not including this season) over the next 10-years, while also carrying the albatross contract of Albert Pujols ($30M next season). Combined with Anthony Rendon‘s 7-year, $245M contract, and a depleted farm system, the organization’s future looks rather bleak.
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Fortunately, there is a way the team could relieve themselves of some salary, making them real contenders in free agency for the foreseeable future. However, it will require them to part ways with the best player in MLB in what would be the largest salary dump since the Los Angeles Dodgers bailed out the Boston Red Sox ahead in 2012, paving the way to a 2013 World Series championship.
In return, the Halos would get an ace who’s owed a guaranteed $27.75M over the next two seasons. Most importantly, if the deal is a straight player-for-player trade, they’d receive approximately $350M in salary relief.
So, what would a deal for Mike Trout look like for the Philadelphia Phillies?
Considering, Mike Trout’s affinity for Philadelphia – he is a passioned Philadelphia Eagles fan – and the proximity of his hometown of Vineland, NJ to that city, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the slugger waives his full no-trade clause.
Salary wise, the Phillies have approximately $150M tied up in player salaries next season, so the team can certainly afford to pay Trout. Additionally, the team is much closer to playoff contention than the Angels, providing them with more incentive to make the deal.
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What would you do if you were the Philadelphia Phillies or the Los Angeles Angles?