According to a report from USA Today, the Los Angeles Angels are open to trading outfielder Mike Trout this offseason if he expresses a desire to leave the team. It is currently unknown how Trout feels about the situation, but he has mentioned that he plans to meet with the Angels’ ownership and front office to discuss the future of the franchise. Some executives from other teams have expressed skepticism about the possibility of a Trout trade, citing the Angels’ reluctance to trade Shohei Ohtani and the complications of Trout’s injury history and contract. Trout has only played in less than 60% of the Angels’ games since 2020 and is owed nearly $250 million more for next season.
Given these circumstances, CBS Sports has decided to rank all 30 Major League Baseball teams based on the likelihood of Trout being on their roster for the 2024 opening day. The teams are grouped into tiers, with the ones least likely to have Trout ranked in Tier 1 and the ones most likely in Tier 5.
Tier 1: Zero chance
The teams in this tier have no competitive or financial incentive to trade for Trout. It is highly unlikely that they would pursue a player with a contract worth nearly a quarter of a billion dollars.
Tier 2: No way, no how
The teams in this tier, which include the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Cleveland Guardians, do not seem likely to greenlight a trade for Trout. They are not expected to make such a significant transaction.
Tier 3: Good, but cheap
The teams in this tier, such as the Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, and Milwaukee Brewers, have the competitive incentive to pursue Trout. However, financially, it is unlikely that they would be able to make a deal happen.
Tier 4: Fun to think about
The teams in this tier, including the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and St. Louis Cardinals, aim to be competitive next season, but there are various factors that make it less likely for them to acquire Trout. These factors could be financial constraints, fit with the team, or the lack of prospect currency.
Tier 5: The real candidates
In the final tier, the top seven teams are ranked based on their likelihood of acquiring Trout.
7. New York Yankees: While it is unlikely that the Angels would trade Trout to the Yankees, they cannot be completely ruled out. The Yankees already have an expensive and injury-prone outfielder in Giancarlo Stanton, but they always remain a possibility for a superstar player.
6. San Diego Padres: The Padres, known for making big moves, could potentially be interested in Trout. They have a history of being involved in trade deals for superstar players.
5. New York Mets: The Mets have the financial means to absorb Trout’s contract and the advantage of having Billy Eppler, who has insight into Trout from his time with the Angels, as their general manager.
4. Philadelphia Phillies: The idea of Trout playing alongside Bryce Harper in Philadelphia is intriguing, and the team’s history of making blockbuster deals adds to the possibility of this happening.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers: While it is unlikely that the Angels would want to trade Trout to their crosstown rivals, the Dodgers have the resources to make a compelling trade offer. However, it is speculated that the Dodgers may be interested in other outfielders, like Luis Robert.
2. San Francisco Giants: The Giants have been looking to make a big move for some time, and Trout would provide them with the star power they need. Additionally, Trout’s injury history may not be a concern for the Giants’ front office.
1. Los Angeles Angels: Despite the trade rumors, the Angels still have the highest likelihood of retaining Trout. The variables involved in a trade, along with owner Arte Moreno’s attachment to Trout, make it unlikely that a deal will be made.
