Mike Trout Blockbuster Trade Rumors: Will the Angels Finally Move Their Superstar?

By Oliver Wiener June 08, 2025 12:43

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, whispers of a potential blockbuster trade involving Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout have intensified. The 12-time All-Star and three-time MVP remains one of the most electrifying players in baseball, yet the Angels’ ongoing struggles and Trout’s recent injury have fueled speculation that the franchise might finally consider moving their franchise icon.

Angels’ Struggles and Trout’s Injury

The Angels entered the 2025 season with high hopes after a disappointing 99-loss campaign in 2024. Early optimism faded quickly as the team found itself near the bottom of the American League West with a 22-25 record by early June. Mike Trout, who was shifted to right field in an effort to preserve his health, showed promise by playing 29 consecutive games before a bone bruise in his left knee sidelined him in early May.

Angels manager Ron Washington described Trout’s recovery as “a huge step” forward, but Trout remained on the 10-day injured list well into May, delaying his return. The injury, coupled with the Angels’ lackluster performance, has raised questions about the team’s direction and Trout’s future in Anaheim.

Trade Rumors Gain Traction

Despite Trout’s stature, the Angels have reportedly contemplated the possibility of trading him, a move that would mark a seismic shift for the franchise. Insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic suggested that the team might look to shed salary and acquire young talent, pointing to other moves such as trading right-handed slugger Jorge Soler for pitching prospects as a blueprint for a potential Trout deal.

The challenge, however, lies in Trout’s massive contract and injury history. He is signed through 2030 with a contract that pays him over $39 million annually, making any trade a complex financial undertaking for prospective suitors. Moreover, Trout’s desire to remain competitive and the Angels’ reluctance to part with their future Hall of Famer add layers of complexity to any trade discussions.

Potential Trade Destinations

Speculation about Trout’s next home has included teams with playoff aspirations and the financial flexibility to absorb his contract. The San Francisco Giants have emerged as a logical fit, given their strong start to the season and need for a right fielder. Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey, a Hall of Famer himself, is reportedly interested in adding veteran leadership and offensive firepower to his roster. The Giants also boast promising prospects like Trent Harris and Wade Meckler, who could be attractive trade chips for the Angels.

Other teams rumored to have interest include the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays, franchises with the payroll capacity and championship windows that align with Trout’s career goals. However, no concrete trade offers have surfaced publicly, and the Angels’ asking price remains prohibitively high.

The Angels’ Dilemma

The Angels face a difficult crossroads. Holding onto Trout risks prolonging a rebuild with limited playoff prospects, potentially frustrating their star player and fans alike. Conversely, trading Trout could accelerate a rebuild by acquiring top prospects but would also mean losing the face of the franchise and a generational talent.

As one MLB insider noted, “Arte Moreno isn’t selling yet. He tried before, but no one met his asking price, even when Shohei Ohtani was still on the roster. Trout’s contract is a speed bump, not an albatross, but the team’s overall management and pitching woes make competing difficult”.

Mike Trout’s potential trade remains one of the most captivating storylines of the 2025 MLB season. While the Angels have not publicly committed to moving their superstar, the combination of team struggles, Trout’s injury, and mounting trade chatter suggests that a blockbuster deal could be on the horizon. Whether Trout stays loyal to Anaheim or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere, the coming months promise to be pivotal for both the player and the franchise.

For now, fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the Angels weigh their options, balancing the legacy of one of baseball’s greatest players against the realities of building a competitive team.