Phillies Urged to Make Bold Move for Three-Time MVP Mike Trout

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Phillies Urged to Make Bold Move for Three-Time MVP Mike Trout originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
An ongoing story in Major League Baseball over the last few years has been the Los Angeles Angels' plan for star outfielder Mike Trout.
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When Trout, a three-time American League MVP, signed his 12-year, $426.5 million contract, many figured that meant he would be with the recently underwhelming Angels for the remainder of his career.
That still seems to be the case, and Trout has said repeatedly that he prefers to remain in Anaheim with the club that drafted him in 2009.
The 387 home run slugger and 11-time All-Star will return from the injured list Friday after missing a month with a left knee injury. Injuries have played a massive part in Trout's career over the last few seasons, and it's one of the reasons the Philadelphia Phillies ought to avoid a trade idea from Drew Smith of Liberty Bell.
"I get it. Injuries are the giant red flag," wrote Smith, vouching for the Phillies to pull the trigger on a trade for the outfielder. "Trout has been banged up the past few years and carries a massive contract (12 years, $426.5 million signed in 2019). But he's still an elite talent when healthy. His career numbers speak for themselves. And he's a Philly guy. The fit is obvious."
Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a triple during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Angel Stadium.Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Smith identified players like Alec Bohm, Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suarez, and Nick Castellanos as those with contracts that expire within the next one to two seasons, which would create financial flexibility for the Phillies to pursue a deal for Trout.
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"That's a monster," Smith wrote about the Phillies' potential lineup with Trout. "Yes, there's risk — but that kind of upside is worth pursuing if the price is right. And don't hit me with the 'but his contract' argument. The Phillies have proven they'll spend to win, and if they can structure this right, Trout could absolutely be the missing piece."
The Phillies could come out on top in a trade with the Angels for Trout if he can stay on the field and produce like he usually does when healthy.
Otherwise, it may be a risk that Philadelphia's president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, is not willing to take.
Related: Phillies Announce Trade for Left-Handed Pitcher in Deal With Blue Jays
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.