The Phillies have been linked to plenty of trade chatter as the Aug. 3 deadline gets closer, but one name stands out above the rest: Mike Trout.
Philadelphia’s needs are easy to spot. The club has a 55-44 record and is still chasing the Atlanta Braves in the National League East, but the roster could use another dependable starter, more help in the bullpen, a legitimate outfield bat and a right-handed presence in the lineup. There’s also the age issue hanging over the group, with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both 33 and Zack Wheeler 36.
That’s why the idea of Trout in Philly keeps popping up. He won’t help the Phillies get younger - he turns 35 on Aug. 7 - and he’s not the same all-time force he was when he was routinely leading Major League Baseball in major offensive categories. Even so, he still brings real danger at the plate, and he bats right-handed.
Sports commentator Adam Schein pushed the idea hard, and not just because Trout is from South Jersey. After Trout was in attendance at the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, Schein made the case that the Phillies are the one place where a move might actually make sense.
"Mike Trout was in attendance last night (at the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia)," Schein said. "Maybe those rabid fans in Philly would like to see him come back and play close to home.
"... The Angels are the worst.
Worst owner in sports, worst owner in baseball, and it's sad. And Mike Trout did something great, and he said he idolizes Derek Jeter, and Jeter stayed with the [New York] Yankees his entire career.
So he would be reluctant to give Trout advice, but Jeter does think staying in one place. And I know that Trout thinks that as well.
"I don't think, when you factor in injuries and contract, there's going to be multiple suitors lined up here to trade for Mike Trout. The only exception is Philly. It's got to be Philly.
"... I am praying to the sports gods that Mike Trout gets out. And I want to see him in Philly."
“Free Mike Trout!”@adamschein says there is one team and one team only that Mike Trout should wave his no-trade for.Watch a new episode of Schein Time here: https://t.co/EFWWL74qKD pic.twitter.com/c4C2V1h9Uw
Trout was asked during All-Star festivities about the possibility of being dealt to the Phillies. He said he likes being in the city, but also pointed to his no-trade clause and said that "it's ultimately my decision."
Harper had already floated the idea of bringing Trout to Philadelphia back in 2019 when he arrived with the team, but Trout instead chose to remain in Southern California on a 12-year, $426 million deal.
Schein took that as a sign Trout may still be open to a change, especially after spending so much of his career on Angels teams that have been bad or merely average. The Angels have reached the playoffs only once during Trout’s career.
There’s no questioning Trout’s résumé. He’s headed for Cooperstown, and through 79 games this season he has 39 runs batted in, 18 home runs and an .862 OPS. He was also named to his 12th All-Star team.
The biggest obstacle, if the Phillies ever did call, would be the money. Trout has four years left on his deal at $37.1 million per year, and that could become even more of a talking point if MLB owners push through a salary cap after the current collective bargaining agreement ends on Dec. 1.
Still, the appeal is obvious for a team trying to make the most of its current window. The Phillies have talent now, and the argument for chasing Trout is simple: if they’re going to swing big, why not swing for a name that still changes the conversation?
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