"Mike Trout is an Eagles fan doesn’t mean cr*p" - Ex-Phillies GM dismisses Philadelphia fit for Angels' 3x AL MVP
Mike Trout is in injury rehab but that hasn't stopped people from speculating potential trades for the Los Angeles Angels' 3x AL MVP. Trout grew up as a diehard fan of the Philadelphia sports teams, and even attended the Phillies World Series victory parade in 2008.
Due to this connection with Philadelphia, fans have speculated Trout to be traded to the Phillies. One reason is Trout's non-existent success in the postseason with the Angels despite being an 11x All-Star and 3x AL MVP, among other individual accomplishments.
However, Ruben Amaro Jr., former GM of the Phillies and current broadcaster, doesn't see Mike Trout as a great fit for a team, given Bryce Harper and Trea Turner are with $300,000,000+ contracts. Amaro Jr. addressed the situation on today's 'Phillies Show on YouTube with insiders Todd Zalecki and Jim Salisbury.
"I think that Mike Trout, I have a great deal of respect for what he's done in the game, but the fact is he is declining a little bit as a player," Amaro Jr. said. "Also, his availability, you just cannot, you can't, this is not the right type of guy for this team."
"You need somebody different. It’s just not going to happen. As much as people want him because he's sort of a local guy and he's an [Philadelphia] Eagles fan, that doesn't mean crap. The reality is he's just not on the field enough, and I know he wants to be on the field; it’s just not there," he added.
Nevertheless, Amaro Jr. entertained the idea of a potential trade involving Taijuan Walker, an $18,000,000 annual salary pitcher, who had a disastrous 2024 season.
Phillies insider doesn't see Mike Trout - Taijuan Walker trade
Even though Amaro Jr. suggested Walker-Trout would be a good idea, insider Jim Salisbury doesn't think it's a good idea. He addressed it on the 'Phillies Show'.
"The health and inability to get on the field, and the money, I mean, to send Taiwan Walker [to Angels], that's a pittance at 18 million, compared to what he's [Mike Trout] owed, I just, I don't, you know, see that happening," Salisbury said.
The Angels recently acquired Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves, casting doubts on Trout's rumored role as a part-time designated hitter in 2025. However, insider Jon Morosi recently reported a positive update on Trout, hinting the 3x MVP will likely play in the outfield.