Mike Trout was last an All-Star in 2023, but he may never be the player he once was.
Trout is a three-time MVP and undoubtedly a Hall of Famer. However, over the last few years, injuries and some decline have opened the door to some questions on whether the Angels should trade him to a contender. He is closer to the end of his career than the start and deserves an opportunity to play for a championship. Trout's own loyalty and the Angels' hesitation to trade him have kept him in Los Angeles despite some rough seasons.
He was named an All-Star Game starter this year amid a resurgent season. He is not playing at an MVP level, but his 17 home runs and .866 OPS are nothing to shrug out. There are plenty of teams that need outfield help at the trade deadline, and Trout would be a dream acquisition for many contenders. However, they may need to give up on that dream.
“That’s not happening,” Angels interim manager John Mozeliak said in reference to trading Trout, per the Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin.
Teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros are in desperate need of outfield help, and Trout could certainly help both teams make a World Series run. However, they will have to scour the market for other options.
Mozeliak noted to Shaikin that no player should be considered untouchable, but Trout seems to be an exception. The Angels are 36-55 entering play on Monday and are 9 1/2 games out of a wild card spot. While trading Trout would make sense, it seems like he will continue on in Los Angeles with the Halos.