This possible CRAZY trade proposal between the Los Angeles Angels and their city rivals, the Dodgers, could stir things up in the league once more.
Let’s start by acknowledging that this trade is highly unlikely to happen. The Los Angeles Angels have a deep rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which likely intensified when Shohei Ohtani, once an Angels superstar, signed a massive 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers last offseason. If the Angels were to trade their franchise cornerstone, Mike Trout, to the Dodgers, the backlash would be enormous, with owner Arte Moreno and GM Perry Minasian facing the majority of the criticism.
But for a moment, let’s consider the opposite scenario. Suppose a series of improbable events lead the Angels to part ways with Trout and his hefty contract. It’s certain that several teams would be eager to acquire one of the best players of his generation. While a few big-market teams, including the Dodgers, would be interested, the Dodgers would undoubtedly put forth the best offer for Trout. In this scenario, Minasian (likely with approval from Moreno and manager Ron Washington) would agree to the trade. So, what kind of return would the Angels need to accept in order for Trout to finish his career elsewhere?
Mike Trout could finally win World Series with Dodgers
Under the leadership of general manager Brandon Gomes and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers have built a versatile team capable of winning in many different ways. While acquiring a player like Trout wouldn’t fix their biggest issue (starting pitching), it would significantly strengthen their already powerful lineup. The Dodgers already boast a top three of former MVPs: Ohtani, shortstop Mookie Betts, and first baseman Freddie Freeman. Adding Trout could make them the favorites for the 2025 World Series.
The team has also signed free agent outfielder Michael Conforto to a one-year contract, likely to start in left field. Tommy Edman, James Outman, and Andy Pages are all capable of playing center field, and one of them could shift to right field while another plays center. Although Trout is traditionally a center fielder, moving him to right could help preserve his health by reducing physical strain. Center field is one of the most demanding defensive positions, aside from catcher, so playing him in right field (with occasional starts in center) could keep his legs fresher over the long term.
If the Dodgers were to acquire Trout along with an arm like Reid Detmers or Chase Silseth to compete for a spot in the rotation or serve as a long reliever, they could offer a package centered around a major-league ready young player or two, plus another supplementary piece. Adding a fourth player might be enough to finalize the deal. So, who should the Angels target in this hypothetical trade?
Angels need to fully embrace rebuild if they trade Trout
Any trade package the Dodgers offer the Angels should start with top prospect Dalton Rushing. A catcher by trade, Rushing began playing outfield last season to expedite his potential call-up to the majors. Although he didn’t make it to Los Angeles yet, he’s ready to contribute at the big-league level. While he likely wouldn’t start at catcher because of Logan O’Hoppe’s presence, he could continue to develop as a regular in left field. Rushing would be the centerpiece of the deal.
The second key player the Angels should ask for is Justin Wrobleski, who made his MLB debut last year. Despite a few rough starts, he showed potential as a capable starter. The Angels’ rotation is solid, with Yusei Kikuchi joining a group that includes Reid Detmers, Silseth, former Dodger Tyler Anderson, and ex-Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Wrobleski would provide additional depth for the rotation and could contribute in other roles.
Other lower-level prospects, like outfielder Zyhir Hope, shortstop Joendry Vargas, and potential major-league contributor Ben Casparius, could also be part of the deal. A potential package could look like this: Mike Trout and Detmers to the Dodgers for Rushing, Wrobleski, Hope, and Casparius.
Would this trade be enough for the Angels to let their franchise cornerstone go? Would it allow Trout to play for the Dodgers for the rest of his career, potentially joining forces with Shohei Ohtani to haunt the Angels as they did for so many years at Angel Stadium? The answer should be clear: whatever it takes to get the Angels back to a World Series title as quickly as possible. Rebuilding and starting fresh is likely the fastest path, and if trading Trout is necessary to make that happen, then so be it.
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