The Angels and Mike Trout haven’t exchanged a word about whether he’d like to be traded, and as of mid-week not one team had called, even after USA Today reported they’d consider dealing him if he wanted to go.
More importantly, folks around the team have seen no indication he wants to go anywhere.
Perhaps that could change if he’s convinced the Angels have no chance in the immediate future.
While they traded prospects at the trade deadline, their kids have progressed, notably Sayville’s Logan O’Hoppe plus Nolan Schanuel, Zach Neto, Taylor Ward, Chase Silseth, Reid Detmers and Patrick Sandoval.
If Trout does want to go, folks believe the hometown Phillies and Yankees might be of interest. With Trout still having seven years left, at $35.45 million per year, one rival said: “The Angels would have to pay it down.”
One other possibility: an exchange of big contracts.
The Yankees, who were all set to draft him when the Angels nabbed him just a couple picks ahead in 2009, might like to consider sending Giancarlo Stanton west for Trout – of course, that might not work for the Angels.
Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani’s decision of whether or not to keep playing is completely up to him.
If he got the elbow surgery now rather than waiting until he signs, he could be back hitting a couple months earlier next for his new team, but by continuing to try to play (he’s actually missed the last 10 games with an oblique) he’s aiding his current employer.
It may also help get to 50 homers. No reason to think he needs more stats to win the MVP — his all-time season should overcome the Angels’ also-ran status.
Among mortals, Corey Seager looks like the AL MVP leader.
Matt Chapman, the second-best free agent position player after Cody Bellinger, looks like a potential fit for the Mets, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Mariners, Yankees and, of course, the incumbent Jays.
He’s in the top five in hard-hit rate.
The incumbent Cubs and Yankees look like possible fits for Bellinger, along with the Giants, who are always looking for outfielders.
Could the Mets be a fit? They seem to be employing Brandon Nimmo a fair amount in left now.