The Los Angeles Angels are once again struggling. They have yet to reach the postseason since 2014 and have not had a winning season since 2015. Things are really looking bleak for the Halos as the 2026 season rolls along.
A 13-22 start has them at the bottom of the American League. However, three-time American League MVP Mike Trout is seemingly back to his old self, having already hit 10 home runs and slashed .258/.433/.550 with 21 RBI and a .983 OPS.
Keith Law of The Athletic took note of how hot Trout has been and how he seems to be rediscovering his old form. Thus, he proposed an idea that might not be terribly popular with Angels fans or the rest of the industry.
“Mike Trout is having his best season since 2022, as he’s fully healthy and producing like a star at the plate again, with power and patience and high batting averages,” Law wrote. “By the time this piece runs, he’ll have more PA than he did in either 2021 or 2024, and more bWAR than he produced in all but two seasons since 2019.
“The Angels need to look into trading him right now, as his value will never be higher, and his contract is still a major risk for them.”
What a Mike Trout Trade Could Look Like for Angels
Obviously, Trout has a full no-trade clause and has the right to decline any potential move. He would have to approve the destination first before it can go through.
His contract takes him through the 2030 season, and he is still owed $178 million over that time period. If the Angels are going to trade him, they are going to have to eat a significant portion of the contract, as Law notes.
However, the chances of Trout actually winning anything with the Angels appear to be slim. They made some under-the-radar signings last offseason, but that didn’t put them in postseason contention.
The Angels still haven’t seemingly accepted the obvious need to rebuild and focus on the future. While Trout is still a dynamic player, it makes no sense for them to keep him, especially when they are out of contention.
For as good as Trout is, he has only appeared in the postseason once in his career, and there are so many other teams that would give him a better chance to make it there.
Plus, the Angels could really bring back a solid haul of prospects for him, which is something that they really need for the future. A fresh start with a better team might also be good for Trout so he has a chance to showcase his abilities in October. He’s already 34 years old and just hasn’t gotten that chance yet in his career.
Time for Angels to Admit Defeat
The Angels simply need to accept the truth. They aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, and it’s detrimental to Trout to stay in a place where he won’t be able to win. The Angels wasted the early years of Shohei Ohtani and never accomplished anything while he and Trout were on the roster together.
If they want to get better for the future, the best course of action may be trading Trout.
Angels Urged to Make Unpopular Decision with Mike Trout