The Philadelphia Phillies have been so close to a championship in recent seasons, but they took a step back last season.
Following a disappointing first-round exit in the 2024 playoffs, the Phillies could use one more big bat, particularly in the outfield, to improve their chances of redemption. What if that bat turns out to be the long-desired trade target?
Mike Trout has long been the Phillies’ most elusive trade target. The Millville, New Jersey native frequently attends Philadelphia Eagles games dressed in midnight green, while the Phillies have long needed improved outfield production.
The problem, of course, is that Trout signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels that runs until 2030, and even if the Angels were willing to trade him (which owner Arte Moreno is unlikely to do), he is been injured too frequently to seriously consider it.
However, Michael Brauner of Philadelphia Phillies on Sports Illustrated believes that recent rumors about the Angels’ pursuit of Pete Alonso may provide hope for Phillies fans who still want a Trout trade to happen someday.
“With Trout entering the twilight of his career and the Angels looking to potentially shed salary if they want to make a real push for Alonso, perhaps a trade could be mutually beneficial here,” Brauner wrote in an email.
Landing Trout would be a huge fan favorite move, add some much-needed outfield help, and could be the difference maker the lineup needs to take it to the next level when it matters most in October.”
Trout, now 32, remains a lock for the Hall of Fame. There is not enough room here to include all of the relevant statistics. But all that matters now is how healthy he will be over the next six years, and which team will try their luck at keeping him healthy.
Could the Phillies be that team? It is a long shot, but there is always the possibility that the Angels will finally decide to blow things up, given that nothing else has worked for them in the last decade.