It is highly likely that this trade will not take place, so let’s start with that. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the crosstown rivals of the Los Angeles Angels. The fact that former Angels star Shohei Ohtani inked a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers last summer probably only served to increase that animosity. The Halos would face tremendous criticism from the Angels if they were to transfer franchise legend Mike Trout to the locals of Dodger Stadium. Most of the anger would be directed at GM Perry Minasian and owner Arte Moreno.
But let’s take a moment to consider the opposite viewpoint. Suppose a series of improbable circumstances lead the Angels to decide to let go of Trout and his enormous deal. One of the greatest players of a generation would undoubtedly be of interest to at least a few organizations. In addition to the Dodgers, at least a few major market clubs would be thrilled to have him. However, in this case, the Dodgers provide Trout with by far the greatest package, and Minasian accepts (perhaps with approval from Moreno and manager Ron Washington). In order to allow Trout to likely complete his career somewhere, what kind of haul would the old Anaheim Angels require?
Under general manager Brandon Gomes and baseball operations president Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers have assembled a team that can defeat you in a number of ways. The lineup would have a huge edge, even if this kind of transaction wouldn’t address their primary weakness—their starting pitching. The Dodgers already have three past MVPs in their top three: Freddie Freeman at first base, Ohtani, and shortstop Mookie Betts. They might become the favorites to win the World Series again in 2025 if they get Trout. Michael Conforto, a free agent outfielder who is expected to start in left field, has already signed a one-year contract with the organization. Andy Pages, Tommy Edman, and James Outman can all play center field. One of them can also play right field, and the other can play center. Trout is a center fielder by trade. But relocating him to right field would probably prevent significant damage to his bod. Aside from catcher, center field is possibly the most physically taxing defensive position. Trout may stay healthy in the long run if his legs are kept fresher in right (with a few spot starts in center).
Assume the organization signs Reid Detmers or Chase Silseth in addition to Trout in order to fight for a position in the rotation or to become a swingman/long reliever out of the bullpen. The Angels might take this into consideration if the Dodgers are willing to part with a package that includes a young player or two who are ready for the major leagues along with an additional peripheral component. The deal would probably be sealed if a fourth player was sacrificed. So, in this fictitious transaction, who should Minasian and the Angels target?
