The Los Angeles Angels have a projected $73 million under the collective bargaining tax threshold (CBT), which plays a large role in which direction the front office takes the team.
Shohei Ohtani is still in the decision-making process of his landing spot, which of course the Angels and general manager Perry Minasian figure to remain active in their pursuit. Having the superstar with the team increases their value as a whole, which is why their competitive stance as an organization is as much of a focus.
But recently, some speculation has risen about the Angels possibly moving Mike Trout. That reality doesn’t seem likely, and Minasian echoed that sentiment, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
Angels GM Perry Minasian reiterates that Mike Trout will be playing for the Angels in 2024 after several large market teams privately inquired about his availability. Angels GM Perry Minasian reiterates that Mike Trout will be playing for the Angels in 2024 after several large market teams privately inquired about his availability.
Trout still has seven years remaining and $206 million remaining on his current deal, which is a significant amount when paired up with his actual on-field status. He’s being paid superstar money, while not paying out the returns in healthy, chunks of playing time.
With how the Angels have struggled in building up their farm system over the past 10 years, their best chance at replenishing those reserves could’ve come in trading both Trout and Ohtani. But the reality of that isn’t so easy, from an organizational standpoint, most importantly.
Should the Angels move Mike Trout, and what would it take?
Minasian establishing a firm endorsement that he, and the Angels expect Trout to remain with the team past the season is a strong stance.
But if the right offer presented itself, they’d likely have to get it approved by Angels owner Arte Moreno, and make sure the return lines up. Finding a team to take on a play with a superstar-level contract with a huge average annual value isn’t easy, either.
That, coupled with having to give up prospects, would be another hurdle in itself. The Angels would undoubtedly have to pay down a significant portion of what remains on his deal, but the overall value limits possible trade partners.
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