This deal makes a ton of sense for both sides.
Mike Trout has been the face of the Los Angeles Angels since he arrived in the big leagues. He has dealt with all the highs and lows of the franchise through the years, and he has done so strictly as a professional.
But another losing season for the Angels now has more talk than ever about the possibility that the team could move him this winter. While a trade remains unlikely, the problem is that it has even reached this point in the first place.
One day, he may say that enough is enough because he wants to win. And the Angels haven’t shown him that they are able to do just that. So, the possibility of a trade does exist, even if they aren’t actively trying to move him.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report put together some trade packages for top teams trying to land Trout this winter, and the Philadelphia Phillies were listed as the top option. Rymer felt that a trade for Nick Castellanos and top prospect Mick Abel could get the job done, with the Angels sending some money over.
“Though Castellanos made the National League All-Star team this year, he only has an exactly average 100 OPS+ to show for his two seasons in Philadelphia. Swapping him out for Trout would be an upgrade worthy of the accompanying risk for the Phillies, even if it meant losing Reuter’s No. 23 prospect in the process.”
Per Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report
Trout has never been shy about his Philadelphia fandom. He has supported his football team in the Philadelphia Eagles from day one, and can always be found doing so.
He would fit right into the city of Philadelphia, and he would help their team win a lot of games. The Phillies already have a pretty stacked lineup, but adding in Trout would only make them even more lethal.
“For his part, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is no stranger to blockbuster trades, and he’s already built the Phillies lineup around star sluggers. Trout would fit perfectly, even if it meant bumping Kyle Schwarber to DH on a full-time basis.”
Per Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report
Trout could slide into the outfield, and his bat would give them another power hitter in the lineup. If people didn’t already fear the Phillies, then Trout would bring everything and more.
It makes sense for both sides and is a realistic option if the Angels were to decide to move him this winter. They have a ton of questions to answer this offseason, with one of them being about their All-Star outfielder.