Former Prolific MLB Manager Comments On Possible Mike Trout Trade Talks

The Los Angeles Angels have had a decent June, but the team is still at the bottom of the standings with a lot of ground to make up in a weak American League.

The Angels are coming off a series win over the Baltimore Orioles after walking-off the finale on Wednesday in a comeback effort, but Los Angeles must continue to stack wins and series wins to get back in the playoff picture.

Sitting six games back from the AL wild card doesn’t seem like much at all, especially with half of the season remaining, but the Halos have gone through several losing spells throughout the season and don’t seem like a contender at this point in time.

Los Angeles has a ton of talent that could be moved by the Aug. 3 trade deadline, but owner Arte Moreno stated that he doesn’t want to deal his top young players, meaning right-hander Jose Soriano, lefty Reid Detmers and outfielder Jo Adell will remain with the team.

It doesn’t make much sense for the Angels to not offload some talent to revamp a weak farm system, but the fact that the team still has a fighting chance even at 34-48 keeps Moreno from wanting to fully rebuild.

But you’ll notice that among the players mentioned, star center fielder Mike Trout wasn’t one of them. Although Trout is currently on the injured list with a right hamstring strain, he is having an incredible season and could be heading to his 12th All-Star Game.

Trout is incredibly loyal and has stuck it out with the Angels despite the franchise being one of the worst in the sport since he has been there, but could this finally be the year Trout is moved for the right price?

It would take a lot, even with Trout at 34-years-old and in the middle of a massive 12-year, $426.5 million deal that takes him through 2030, but a deal for Trout would improve the Angels’ farm system tremendously and teams would certainly be interested in the three-time Most Valuable Player.

Former Major League Baseball manager Clint Hurdle praised Trout’s loyalty in an interview with Kyle Odegard of Actionnetwork.com and commented on the possibility of him being moved.

“I've got to think there are certain times when you have to move people to get younger people and more people to fill the holes,” Hurdle told Odegard. “I don't know what his desires are.

“He's given it everything he's got (in Anaheim) and that's all you can ask out of an athlete. I'm sure there will be a few teams that will be looking for a right-handed bat that can still play the outfield or DH, that can be helpful in a pennant race.”

In 74 games, Trout leads the Angels with 17 home runs and has 36 RBI while slashing .234/.394/.472 (.866 OPS). Trout is a generational talent, but he isn’t getting any younger, and the Angels don’t seem to be improving at the rate they need to.

It’s hard to imagine Trout in a different uniform, but the organization should do right by him and move him. Not only to do him a favor, but the team as well.