Mike Trout has missed most of the 2024 season due to injuries. This has led to rumors circulating that the Los Angeles Angels might look to offload the superstar to cut their losses. The Phillies are eager to improve after their early exit in the NLDS at the hands of the New York Mets. So, acquiring a player of Trout’s caliber could make sense. The idea of adding a future Hall of Famer to bolster their lineup is appealing, especially if they can get him at the right price.

However, some analysts have raised a key concern about the financial and injury risks associated with Trout. The superstar is owed around $37 million per season, a significant commitment for any team. Given his recent history of injuries, they pointed out that acquiring Trout would require careful consideration. Any team that takes on that salary would need to weigh whether his production would justify the cost. 

Analysts against Mike Trout coming to the Phillies

On Monday’s edition of MLB Hot Stove, analysts Jamie Lynch, Renee Washington, and Tyler Zulli discussed the potential fit of Mike Trout with the team. Washington said, “I am rooting for Mike Trout from a distance. Keep him on the coast, or keep him anywhere outside of the Phillies, because great guy. So sad that he’s not been able to amount to projections we had from his career. But the Phillies are not the answer for him.” Tyler Zulli, on the other hand, highlighted Trout’s exceptional 2022 season. 

“He hit 40 home runs in just 119 games. With a slugging percentage of .630 and an OPS just shy of 1.0, making it one of his most impressive performances,” Zulli acknowledged, highlighting that Trout was “electric” in those games. Then, he pointed out that a full season for Trout seems to be around 119 games due to his injury history. The analyst also raised concerns about whether any team would get that level of production consistently, noting that in the three seasons surrounding 2022, Trout played a combined total of only 155 games, which makes his average roughly 51 or 52 games per year. 

If not the Phillies, then where?

The Kansas City Royals might seem like an unlikely landing spot for Mike Trout. The team is on the rise and could be an intriguing destination, with emerging stars like Bobby Witt Jr. leading the charge. Although eliminated in the ALDS in 2024, their playoff appearance marked a significant step forward. So, adding a veteran presence like Trout could help fast-track their journey toward contention. 

Then there are the Cincinnati Reds. The team has a dynamic core of young talent, including Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Hunter Greene. Sure, they fell short of the playoffs in 2024, but there is hope. With future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona, the Reds are determined to return to full power in 2025—a player like Mike Trout would be a major boost to the team’s ambitions.

Next up are the Atlanta Braves; they could be the most natural fit for Mike Trout. Coming off an 89-win season, the Braves already boast an elite lineup. Adding Trout to this mix would give Atlanta one of the most formidable offenses in baseball, further solidifying their status as championship contenders. With Marcell Ozuna frequently used as the designated hitter, the Braves have the flexibility to slot Trout into a corner outfield position or even utilize him as a DH when needed.