5 Teams That Could Logically Trade for Mike Trout

Mike Trout is looking like Mike Trout again.

The Los Angeles Angels franchise icon and future Hall of Famer is having his best season since 2022 - and, most importantly, he's healthy.

With the Angels slipping in the American League West standings yet again and Trout returning to elite form, the idea of trading him before the Aug. 3 deadline suddenly feels realistic. In fact, it may make more sense now than ever before.

If the Angels were ever going to trade Trout, this is the moment. At age 34, his value may never be higher. He is in the middle of a 12-year, $426.5 million contract that runs through the 2030 season, with roughly $178 million remaining over the next four-plus years.

Trout's deal, which pays him $35.5 million annually, also includes a full no-trade clause. And despite the Angels' continued struggles, he has not indicated that he wants to leave Anaheim.

Still, if Trout wants a legitimate chance to compete for a World Series title, he may eventually have to consider it. He has reached the postseason only once in his major league career - back in 2014, when the Angels were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the AL Division Series. Trout had just one hit in the three-game series.

Any potential deal would be complicated financially. The Angels would likely need to absorb around $70 million of the remaining contract, but they could still receive multiple top prospects in return. Even then, only a handful of teams realistically make sense as trade partners.

Trout, who has moved back to center field, entered May 18 ranked among the AL leaders in both home runs (11) and OPS (.866).

Possible landing spots:

Philadelphia Phillies

Trout grew up in nearby Millville, New Jersey, and is a diehard Eagles fan. Finishing his career close to home could be a viable option.

The Phillies, who recently fired manager Rob Thomson after going 9-19, are in win-now mode and have the prospect depth - and payroll flexibility - to make a blockbuster deal work. One of their biggest weaknesses has been left field, where Adolis García has struggled to provide consistency. Adding Trout alongside Brandon Marsh and Justin Crawford would be an upgrade to the outfield.

And pairing Trout with Bryce Harper would instantly create a big buzz around Philly.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves remain one of the best teams in baseball and could use a left fielder. Jurickson Profar is out for the season because of a PED suspension, and Trout would be a major upgrade in left field while giving Atlanta another superstar alongside Ronald Acuña Jr.

Joining the Braves would also give Trout a legitimate chance to win the World Series, even more so than if he went to the Phillies.

New York Yankees

The Yankees are always connected to superstar players - whether they are in their prime or not.

As of now, the Yankees have Trent Grisham in center, but he's underperforming offensively. Going to the Yankees would play perfectly at Yankee Stadium with his right-handed power. He could also remain in center field while forming a star-studded outfield next to Aaron Judge.

The Yankees are annual favorites to win the AL pennant, but imagine an offensive lineup with Trout and Judge.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Do we dare say the Dodgers?

They have the financial resources and the prospects to pull off a deal.

And let's face it, one of the biggest storylines surrounding Trout's career is not playing in the postseason.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, are perennial World Series contenders. A move there would also reunite Trout with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. But it's hard to imagine Angels owner Arte Moreno wanting to be remembered for trading Trout to L.A. to rejoin Ohtani.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have one of the best pitching staffs in the American League, but they rank near the bottom in batting. They could use a strong bat in the middle of the order. But trading the 11-time All-Star to a division rival would not sit well with Angels fans.

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 5:05 AM.