How Dodgers can shock MLB world with Mike Trout trade

One insider thinks the Los Angeles Dodgers won’t be able to trade for Mike Trout, and Trout is closing his ears to the deal talk. However, here’s how the Dodgers can shock the Major League Baseball world by trading for the longtime All-Star.

A 16-year veteran, Trout has been to 11 All-Star games. Also, he earned rookie of the year honors back in 2012. Since then, he also won three MVP awards and finished runner-up a staggering five times.

That was the old Trout. The new Trout hasn’t been able to stay healthy long enough to earn serious consideration for the big awards. Beginning in 2021, here are his games played: 36, 119, 82, 29, 130.

However, the Dodgers are surely interested because he’s played in 56 games already this year, and he’s having a great season.

Will the Dodgers be able to pull off the mega trade?

Trout’s no-trade clause makes it problematic. However, with zero World Series appearances in his career, perhaps the draw of October baseball might get him to sign off on a deal.

Trout is 34 years old and probably nearing the end of his baseball career. His track record and age indicate he’s probably going to get hurt again this summer. And therefore, the Angels should probably cash in while there’s still a strong market. And the Angels need a farm boost, according to The Athletic.

“The problem for the Angels is that they really need the prospects, or young big-leaguers, more than they need the cost savings,” Keith Law wrote. “Owner Arte Moreno has been willing to spend money, often to his detriment and that of Angels fans. He has not been willing to wait, to be patient, or to demonstrate object permanence. Where he might close his eyes, and the Angels will still be there tomorrow, probably losing another game.”

And that brings us to the Dodgers.

Do the Dodgers need Mike Trout?

In a way, no. They already have a great lineup and a stacked rotation. They have plenty of bullpen arms, defense, and speed.

However, this is baseball. And you never, ever, have too much in baseball. One reason is injuries. If the Dodgers lose a key player, Trout is an insurance policy.

But another reason the Dodgers could, and probably should, trade for Trout is what it would do to the rest of baseball. Yes, it could be called a shock. But more than that, it would demoralize the opponents.

It’s the notion of the Dodgers getting a player of Trout’s caliber that would add to the invincibility they’ve already built with back-to-back World Championships.

What would the Dodgers need to trade for Trout?

It would take quite a package, despite Trout’s advanced age. That might do two things. It might prevent the trade. Or it might mean the Dodgers don’t have to give up as much.

Any trade talks with the Angels would probably start with the Dodgers’ top prospect, outfielder Josue De Paula. He’s on track for a 2027 MLB arrival, according to MLB.com.

“De Paula draws comparisons to a slightly smaller but more athletic version of Yordan Alvarez, thanks to his precocious combination of swing decisions and exit velocities,” MLB.com wrote. “His sweet left-handed stroke produces hard contact to all fields that should translate into 30 homers per season and perhaps more if he learns to drive balls in the air more consistently.”

Also, the Dodgers would likely need to send a pitching prospect to the Angels. That could be Christian Zazueta. However, he isn’t expected to be big-league ready until 2028, according to MLB.com.

“Zazueta’s athleticism allows him to move down the mound well and create extension, and to repeat his simple delivery well enough to locate all three of his pitches where he wants,” MLB.com wrote. “Just 21 years old, he still has plenty of projection remaining in his 6-foot-3 frame. He already looks like a possible mid-rotation starter, and adding more power to his pitches could raise his ceiling higher.”

That seems like a fair package. Maybe the Dodgers have to throw in an older prospect. Or maybe a lower-ranked player who is still a few years away from having his MLB shot.

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