Why Phillies must trade for Mike Trout from Angels after missing on Tarik Skubal deadline blockbuster

The Philadelphia Phillies, like 28 other teams in the big leagues, missed out on trading for Tarik Skubal. In the end, it was the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team that already has the biggest embarrassment of riches in the big leagues, that traded for the Detroit Tigers star pitcher. Some believed that the Dodgers were simply playing defense, acquiring Skubal just so their postseason competitors wouldn’t get to do so.

The good news is that bringing in a frontline starting pitcher isn’t exactly a pressing need for the Phillies. They have one of the best starters in MLB to front the rotation in Christopher Sanchez, while Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo have been great for the team as well this year. They do need to acquire rotation depth, as Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter have not been the best in 2026. But missing out on Skubal is not the end of the world for Philly.

According to the rumor mill, the Phillies have also been exploring potential trades for a power-hitting outfielder, preferably one that hits from the right side, and some bullpen help, as any team with contending aspirations are wont to do.

And while there are several realistic targets out there, perhaps Philly would want to spice things up with a blockbuster out of nowhere and bring in one of the biggest stars of this generation to try and lift him from the dregs of the big leagues.

Phillies should trade for Mike Trout

Trading for Mike Trout would not hit the same as if it were done 10 or even five years ago. Trout has declined considerably, and has an extensive injury history. Moreover, Trout is owed around $37.1 million per season until 2031, and the Phillies already have one of the biggest payrolls in MLB (ranking fourth in total payments, including tax, at present).

Suffice to say, it’s difficult to envision a universe in which Trout will be traded before the deadline on Monday. There are simply going to be too many moving parts, and realistically speaking, the Los Angeles Angels may have to eat up a portion of his remaining contract just to be able to trade him away.

Even then, Trout has shown no desire to ask for a trade anyway, remaining loyal to the Angels through thick and thin despite having made it to the postseason just once in his Hall of Fame career. But if there’s any team that would benefit immensely from pursuing Trout, it’s the Phillies.

For starters, the Phillies are crying out loud for some offensive help, particularly in the outfield. The acquisition of Adolis Garcia has flopped mightily, and he’s currently on the mend. Justin Crawford has provided some much-needed help at center field, but he has an OPS of .651 on the season, and Fangraphs has him as a negative value defender at center.

The rest of the Phillies’ outfield crew doesn’t inspire much confidence. Derek Hill has some pop, but he hasn’t risen to the level of an everyday player. Edmundo Sosa and Gabriel Rincones Jr. can’t hit a lick. Bryan De La Cruz hit 21 home runs in a single season once upon a time, but he’s been mostly a net negative player during his time in the big leagues.

Suffice to say, Trout would be a major upgrade for the Phillies, giving them an above-average option in the outfield. Trout’s bat speed may have come and gone, but he still gets on base considerably often (.391 OBP on the year), and he still has solid pop, recording 18 home runs on the season.

He also seems to be turning back the clock on defense. His metrics on the field have improved mightily from last season, and as a result, he’s on pace to record over 4 fWAR this year. He’ll immediately be coming in as the Phillies’ best outfielder. In fact, at least according to fWAR, he’d be the Phillies’ best position player this year.

The Angels are once again about to miss the postseason. Trout is already 34 years of age. Many have talked ad nauseam about rescuing Trout from a perennial losing organization, but Trout hasn’t exactly signaled a need to be rescued anyway. But the Phillies, if given the chance to do so, may want to do it to give Trout a chance to compete.

A trade involving this big of a contract seems to be better off explored during the offseason. But the Phillies need help, and they need help now. If they can convince Trout to waive his no-trade clause to move to Philly, a team close to where he grew up in South Jersey, then it should be worth doing for the Phillies — especially if they can get the Angels to eat up a significant portion of his contract to grease the wheels.

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