Angels face tough decision as Trout trade talk resurfaces after Maybin’s remarks
The Los Angeles Angels drafted Mike Trout with the top pick in 2009, and he has spent every season of his 15-year career in Anaheim. While speculation about a Trout trade has lingered for years, the Angels have shown little urgency to move their franchise icon.
Former MLB outfielder Cameron Maybin—who also played in a World Series-winning run with the Houston Astros in 2017—now believes it might be time for a change. Maybin urged the Angels to trade Trout, arguing that giving him a realistic chance to contend elsewhere would reward his loyalty and put him in a position to win.
“Angels fans would probably agree. I wish they would have traded Mike Trout. Give the guy a chance, man. Reward him for his loyalty actually, how about that? Get him somewhere where he has a chance to win,” Maybin told Foul Territory. “It’s Mike Trout. He’s still special. Get something for him now and allow him to go win. He deserves it.”
Trout, 34, built a Hall of Fame-level résumé early in his career, winning three AL MVP Awards and finishing in the top two multiple times from 2012-2019. After injuries disrupted parts of the last four seasons, he has shown he still has plenty left to offer in 2025.
In 2025, Trout has battled health to some extent but has remained productive when on the field. The Angels have shifted him from center field to right field this season to help preserve his legs, and after a month off with a bone bruise, he returned as the designated hitter. Since returning on May 30, he has continued to be an important part of the lineup.
Across 87 games, Trout has posted 20 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 48 runs with an .835 OPS and a 130 OPS+. His pursuit of a major milestone continues as he sits just two homers shy of reaching 400 for his career, while he had already reached 1,000 RBIs earlier this year.
Trading Trout would be a complex undertaking. Beyond the no-trade clause he carries and his injury history, the Angels owe him roughly $200 million over the next five-plus years, making any potential deal a high-stakes proposition for a club still balancing its finances and competitive window.
Why this matters for the Angels and Trout
– Maybin’s call highlights a broader tension: whether a team with a franchise icon should maximize short-term chances while still trying to keep the player’s legacy intact with the organization.
– Trout’s dual status as a current star and a long-term financial commitment creates a challenging calculus for Anaheim. Any trade would require a massive return to justify parting with a player who remains a marquee draw and a potential future Hall of Famer.
– For Trout, a move could rejuvenate a championship pursuit with a contender, but it would also mark the end of an era in Anaheim and transform how fans remember one of the game’s defining players of his generation.
Logical take
This situation reflects how teams weigh talent, loyalty, health, and long-term financial commitments. Even for a player of Trout’s caliber, a no-trade clause and a sizable contract mean any potential relocation would hinge on a package that could realign the Angels’ fortunes while offering Trout a realistic shot at a title elsewhere.
Summary
Cameron Maybin’s stance adds another layer to the ongoing Trout trade discussions, underscoring a push to capitalize on a superstar’s remaining prime while acknowledging the realities of age, health, and a massive contract. Whether Anaheim decides to explore a deal or keep its cornerstone remains to be seen, but the topic is sure to linger as Trout nears the 400-homer milestone and continues to contribute offensively when healthy.
Positive perspective
If Trout stays with the Angels, he continues to provide value and leadership, and Baseball fans will continue to witness a living legend chase historic milestones. If a trade were to occur, it could help a competing team pair a veteran superstar with a fresh supporting cast, potentially accelerating a championship run for all parties involved.
Additional notes for readers
– Trout’s production this season demonstrates his still-rare combination of power and on-base ability, even as defensive responsibilities shift to protect his health.
– Any decision will hinge not only on performance but also on the market for veterans of Trout’s age and contract, as well as the Angels’ broader rebuilding or retooling strategy.