The Los Angeles Angels are open to trading All-Star Mike Trout should the outfielder indicate he wants to leave, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Trout, 32, holds exclusive no-trade rights with the Angels, with whom he’s played since 2011.
The three-time American League MVP had recently said he wants a private conversation with both the front office and ownership group about the direction of the team.
The Angels decided ahead of the trade deadline not to deal star pitcher Shohei Ohtani, who is set to become a free agent after this season, indicating the team was going to make a playoff push. With just three weeks left in the regular season, the Angels are 12.5 games out of a post-season position.
Nightengale also reports that, while the trade would be a big one, Trout would likely not garner the same blockbuster return as he would in years past due to ongoing injury trouble. Trout has had numerous stints on the injured list this season as he nurses a wrist injury suffered in July. He made a one-day return to the lineup in August before heading back on the IL having aggravated his wrist.
Sports Illustrated reported last week that Trout had not yet returned to baseball activities, signalling that it is likely the nine-time Silver Slugger recipient is done for the remainder of the season.
Trout has seven years and $248.15 million remaining on his contract.
