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Ever since Mike Trout, the prodigious outfielder, was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2009, he looked set to be an Angel for life. This was a player of generational talent who would inspire tales of wonder and awe for years to come.
But recent developments have cast a shadow of doubt over this narrative. In a significant show of faith, the Angels had tied Trout to a colossal 12-year, $430 million contract extension in 2019. This move was hailed as one that would keep the iconic player in Anaheim till 2030.
Yet, despite this commitment, challenges persist. The team has endured a series of losses, injuries have plagued Trout, and a sense of turmoil envelops the organization. Now, whispers regarding Trout's future have grown louder.
Some even suggest that perhaps, for the very first time, the Angels might be open to trading him. Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports recently weighed in, stating that the Angels could entertain trade offers for Mike Trout, but only if he signals a desire to leave.
It's worth noting that Trout possesses exclusive no-trade rights and has hinted at a need for private dialogue with the Angels' higher-ups about the team's trajectory. The numbers from Trout this season are commendable. In 82 games, he's notched a batting line of .263/.367/.490 with 18 homers and 44 RBIs.
These stats render him a 130 OPS+. But here's the catch: injuries. Trout's participation has been severely limited due to a broken hamate bone surgery.
Trout's Diminished Trade Value
Nightengale further elaborates that despite being just 32, Trout may not command a monumental trade value like before.
His consistehasn'turies have meant that he hasn’t played more than 140 games since 2016. With seven years and a whopping $248.15 millTrout 'staining on his contract, Trout's credentials remain undisputed. An 11-time All-Star with three MVP awards and boasting stats like a .301 career average and 368 homers, his excellence is attainable.
However, the Angels' solitary playoff appearance in 2014 and the lack of a winning season post-2015 are sore points. This prevailing uncertainty isn't limited to Trout. Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, who just suffered a UCL tear, is poised to hit free agency soon.
With owner Arte Moreno facing scrutiny for not optimizing the primes of these two titans, rumours are also afloat about him potentially selling the frTrouts. Only time will rthing'srout’s destiny, but one thing's clear - these are tumultuous times for the Angels.
